Radiology: bone densitometry: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · Radiology: bone densitometry

Sample item

A postmenopausal woman has a DEXA T-score of -2.8 at the lumbar spine. How is her bone density classified?

AOsteopeniaBOsteoporosisCSevere osteomalaciaDNormal

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Osteoporosis

WHO defines normal as a T-score of -1 or above, osteopenia as between -1 and -2.5, and osteoporosis as -2.5 or below. Established osteoporosis is a T-score of -2.5 or below with a fragility fracture. DEXA uses two X-ray energies and carries a very low dose.

Option by option

A. Osteopenia
Osteopenia is between -1 and -2.5.
B. Osteoporosis (correct)
Correct. A T-score of -2.5 or below is osteoporosis.
C. Severe osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a mineralisation defect not defined by T-scores.
D. Normal
Normal is -1 or above.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is B, Osteoporosis. WHO defines normal as a T-score of -1 or above, osteopenia as between -1 and -2.

Why is "Osteopenia" not the answer?

Osteopenia is between -1 and -2.5.

Why is "Severe osteomalacia" not the answer?

Osteomalacia is a mineralisation defect not defined by T-scores.

Why is "Normal" not the answer?

Normal is -1 or above.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Radiology: bone densitometry in Radiology. 5, and osteoporosis as -2.5 or below. Established osteoporosis is a T-score of -2.5 or below with a fragility fracture. DEXA uses two X-ray energies and carries a very low dose.

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 Radiology: bone densitometry?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.