Gastroenterology: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

General Medicine · Gastroenterology

Sample item

Which presentation is an alarm feature in dyspepsia requiring prompt assessment?

AA brief hiccup episodeBProgressive dysphagia with weight lossCMild symptoms relieved by antacidDIntermittent bloating after a large meal

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Progressive dysphagia with weight loss

Progressive swallowing difficulty and unintentional weight loss can signal significant oesophageal or gastric pathology and warrant urgent evaluation.

Option by option

A. A brief hiccup episode
Brief hiccups do not usually indicate serious upper GI disease.
B. Progressive dysphagia with weight loss (correct)
Correct: progressive dysphagia and weight loss are alarm symptoms.
C. Mild symptoms relieved by antacid
Antacid-responsive mild symptoms are less alarming.
D. Intermittent bloating after a large meal
Post-meal bloating alone is less specific.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Progressive dysphagia with weight loss. Progressive swallowing difficulty and unintentional weight loss can signal significant oesophageal or gastric pathology and warrant urgent evaluation.

Why is "A brief hiccup episode" not the answer?

Brief hiccups do not usually indicate serious upper GI disease.

Why is "Mild symptoms relieved by antacid" not the answer?

Antacid-responsive mild symptoms are less alarming.

Why is "Intermittent bloating after a large meal" not the answer?

Post-meal bloating alone is less specific.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastroenterology in General Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: progressive dysphagia and weight loss are alarm symptoms.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Gastroenterology?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.