Outbreak investigation: 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 · Outbreak investigation

Sample item

What information is most useful for identifying a common food exposure during a point-source outbreak?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. A case-control comparison of foods eaten by cases and controls

Comparing reported food exposures between outbreak cases and suitable controls can identify items statistically associated with illness and guide environmental investigation.

Option by option

  • A. A single patient's blood group

    Blood group does not reveal outbreak source.

  • B. A case-control comparison of foods eaten by cases and controls (correct)

    Correct: analytic comparison tests suspected food exposures.

  • C. A list of all hospital beds in the district

    Bed numbers do not identify shared meals.

  • D. The brand of laboratory microscope

    Microscope brand has no exposure information.

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.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is B, A case-control comparison of foods eaten by cases and controls. Comparing reported food exposures between outbreak cases and suitable controls can identify items statistically associated with illness and guide environmental investigation.

Why is "A single patient's blood group" not the answer?

Blood group does not reveal outbreak source.

Why is "A list of all hospital beds in the district" not the answer?

Bed numbers do not identify shared meals.

Why is "The brand of laboratory microscope" not the answer?

Microscope brand has no exposure information.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Outbreak investigation in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: analytic comparison tests suspected food exposures.

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 Outbreak investigation?

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.