Communicable diseases: SAFE strategy for trachoma: 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.

Try it

PSM · Communicable diseases: SAFE strategy for trachoma

Sample item

In a trachoma-endemic district, a woman has in-turning eyelashes touching the cornea. Which component of the SAFE strategy addresses this problem?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Surgery

In SAFE, S stands for surgery for trichiasis, which prevents corneal scarring. A is azithromycin for active infection, F is facial cleanliness and E is environmental improvement such as water and sanitation. Trichiasis is a mechanical problem needing surgery.

Option by option

  • A. Surgery (correct)

    Correct. Surgery corrects trichiasis.

  • B. Antibiotics

    Antibiotics treat active chlamydial infection but do not reposition lashes.

  • C. Environmental improvement

    Environmental improvement reduces transmission in the community.

  • D. Facial cleanliness

    Facial cleanliness reduces transmission and does not fix trichiasis.

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, Surgery. In SAFE, S stands for surgery for trichiasis, which prevents corneal scarring.

Why is "Antibiotics" not the answer?

Antibiotics treat active chlamydial infection but do not reposition lashes.

Why is "Environmental improvement" not the answer?

Environmental improvement reduces transmission in the community.

Why is "Facial cleanliness" not the answer?

Facial cleanliness reduces transmission and does not fix trichiasis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: SAFE strategy for trachoma in PSM. A is azithromycin for active infection, F is facial cleanliness and E is environmental improvement such as water and sanitation. Trichiasis is a mechanical problem needing surgery.

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 Communicable diseases: SAFE strategy for trachoma?

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.