Cardiovascular pathology: practice question

A Pathology 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.

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Pathology · Cardiovascular pathology

Sample item

What is a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque?

AVenous thrombus in deep legBNormal arterial intimaCLipid-rich plaque with thin fibrous cap prone to ruptureDStable calcified plaque with thick cap

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lipid-rich plaque with thin fibrous cap prone to rupture

Vulnerable plaques have large lipid cores and thin inflamed fibrous caps that can rupture, triggering acute thrombosis and myocardial infarction.

Option by option

A. Venous thrombus in deep leg
Deep venous thrombus is a separate lesion.
B. Normal arterial intima
Normal intima is not plaque.
C. Lipid-rich plaque with thin fibrous cap prone to rupture (correct)
Correct: thin cap and lipid core increase rupture risk.
D. Stable calcified plaque with thick cap
Thick stable caps are less rupture-prone.

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 Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, Lipid-rich plaque with thin fibrous cap prone to rupture. Vulnerable plaques have large lipid cores and thin inflamed fibrous caps that can rupture, triggering acute thrombosis and myocardial infarction.

Why is "Venous thrombus in deep leg" not the answer?

Deep venous thrombus is a separate lesion.

Why is "Normal arterial intima" not the answer?

Normal intima is not plaque.

Why is "Stable calcified plaque with thick cap" not the answer?

Thick stable caps are less rupture-prone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiovascular pathology in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: thin cap and lipid core increase rupture risk.

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 Cardiovascular pathology?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.