Non-communicable diseases: diabetic neuropathy screening: 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 · Non-communicable diseases: diabetic neuropathy screening

Sample item

A primary care doctor performs an annual foot examination of a patient with type 2 diabetes for 8 years. Which simple bedside test screens for loss of protective sensation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. 10 g monofilament testing

Inability to feel a 10 g monofilament applied to the sole indicates loss of protective sensation and a high risk of foot ulceration. It is cheap and suitable for primary care. The patient is then taught foot care and appropriate footwear to prevent ulcers and amputations.

Option by option

  • A. Fasting blood glucose

    Fasting glucose assesses glycaemic control and does not test sensation.

  • B. Ankle brachial pressure index

    The ankle brachial index evaluates arterial supply, not neuropathy.

  • C. Plain radiograph of the foot

    A radiograph shows bone changes and does not screen for neuropathy.

  • D. 10 g monofilament testing (correct)

    Correct. The 10 g monofilament test detects loss of protective sensation.

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, 10 g monofilament testing. Inability to feel a 10 g monofilament applied to the sole indicates loss of protective sensation and a high risk of foot ulceration.

Why is "Fasting blood glucose" not the answer?

Fasting glucose assesses glycaemic control and does not test sensation.

Why is "Ankle brachial pressure index" not the answer?

The ankle brachial index evaluates arterial supply, not neuropathy.

Why is "Plain radiograph of the foot" not the answer?

A radiograph shows bone changes and does not screen for neuropathy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Non-communicable diseases: diabetic neuropathy screening in PSM. It is cheap and suitable for primary care. The patient is then taught foot care and appropriate footwear to prevent ulcers and amputations.

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 Non-communicable diseases: diabetic neuropathy screening?

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.