Environmental health: biomedical waste: practice question

A PSM 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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PSM · Environmental health: biomedical waste

Sample item

What is the key first step in safe biomedical-waste management at a healthcare facility?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Segregate waste at the point of generation into appropriate labeled containers

Segregation at source reduces exposure, enables appropriate treatment, and prevents hazardous waste from entering general waste streams. Sharps require puncture-resistant containers.

Option by option

  • A. Segregate waste at the point of generation into appropriate labeled containers (correct)

    Correct. Correct early segregation underpins safe downstream handling.

  • B. Store sharps loose in open bags

    Loose sharps create needlestick hazards.

  • C. Discard waste in municipal drains

    Drains must not be used for biomedical waste disposal.

  • D. Mix all waste to simplify transport

    Mixing increases risk and complicates treatment.

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.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is A, Segregate waste at the point of generation into appropriate labeled containers. Segregation at source reduces exposure, enables appropriate treatment, and prevents hazardous waste from entering general waste streams.

Why is "Store sharps loose in open bags" not the answer?

Loose sharps create needlestick hazards.

Why is "Discard waste in municipal drains" not the answer?

Drains must not be used for biomedical waste disposal.

Why is "Mix all waste to simplify transport" not the answer?

Mixing increases risk and complicates treatment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Environmental health: biomedical waste in PSM. Sharps require puncture-resistant containers.

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 Environmental health: biomedical waste?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM 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.