Concept of health and disease: stage of susceptibility: 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 · Concept of health and disease: stage of susceptibility

Sample item

In the natural history of disease, which level of prevention is appropriate during the stage of susceptibility, before the disease process has begun?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Primary prevention

The stage of susceptibility precedes pathogenesis, so health promotion and specific protection can stop the disease from starting. This is primary prevention. Secondary prevention acts in the presymptomatic and early clinical stages.

Option by option

  • A. Tertiary prevention

    Tertiary prevention limits disability and applies to established disease.

  • B. Primary prevention (correct)

    Correct. Acting before the disease starts is primary prevention.

  • C. Secondary prevention

    Secondary prevention needs a disease process already present, as in early diagnosis.

  • D. Rehabilitation only

    Rehabilitation is a component of tertiary prevention after damage has occurred.

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, Primary prevention. The stage of susceptibility precedes pathogenesis, so health promotion and specific protection can stop the disease from starting.

Why is "Tertiary prevention" not the answer?

Tertiary prevention limits disability and applies to established disease.

Why is "Secondary prevention" not the answer?

Secondary prevention needs a disease process already present, as in early diagnosis.

Why is "Rehabilitation only" not the answer?

Rehabilitation is a component of tertiary prevention after damage has occurred.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Concept of health and disease: stage of susceptibility in PSM. This is primary prevention. Secondary prevention acts in the presymptomatic and early clinical stages.

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 Concept of health and disease: stage of susceptibility?

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.