Epidemiology: levels of prevention: 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 · Epidemiology: levels of prevention

Sample item

A 62-year-old man who had an ischaemic stroke six weeks ago attends a programme of physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy to regain independence in daily activities. At which level of prevention does this intervention belong?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Tertiary prevention

Tertiary prevention limits the consequences of established disease through disability limitation and rehabilitation, so that the patient regains the maximum possible function. Secondary prevention is early detection and treatment, primary prevention reduces exposure before disease, and primordial prevention targets the emergence of risk factors in the population.

Option by option

  • A. Primordial prevention

    Primordial prevention prevents risk factors from arising in the first place, for example through national policies.

  • B. Primary prevention

    Primary prevention acts before disease develops, such as immunisation or health promotion.

  • C. Secondary prevention

    Secondary prevention means screening or early diagnosis and prompt treatment to halt progression.

  • D. Tertiary prevention (correct)

    Correct. Rehabilitation after established disease aims to limit disability, which is tertiary prevention.

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 D, Tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention limits the consequences of established disease through disability limitation and rehabilitation, so that the patient regains the maximum possible function.

Why is "Primordial prevention" not the answer?

Primordial prevention prevents risk factors from arising in the first place, for example through national policies.

Why is "Primary prevention" not the answer?

Primary prevention acts before disease develops, such as immunisation or health promotion.

Why is "Secondary prevention" not the answer?

Secondary prevention means screening or early diagnosis and prompt treatment to halt progression.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology: levels of prevention in PSM. Secondary prevention is early detection and treatment, primary prevention reduces exposure before disease, and primordial prevention targets the emergence of risk factors in the population.

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 Epidemiology: levels of prevention?

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.