Non-communicable diseases: Bitot spots: 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: Bitot spots

Sample item

In the WHO classification of xerophthalmia, Bitot's spots correspond to stage:

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. X1B

Stages are XN (night blindness), X1A (conjunctival xerosis), X1B (Bitot's spots), X2 (corneal xerosis), X3A and X3B (corneal ulceration or keratomalacia) and XS (corneal scar). Bitot's spots are foamy patches on the bulbar conjunctiva.

Option by option

  • A. X2

    X2 is corneal xerosis.

  • B. XN

    XN is night blindness.

  • C. X3A

    X3A is corneal ulceration involving less than one third of the cornea.

  • D. X1B (correct)

    Correct. Bitot's spots are X1B.

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, X1B. Stages are XN (night blindness), X1A (conjunctival xerosis), X1B (Bitot's spots), X2 (corneal xerosis), X3A and X3B (corneal ulceration or keratomalacia) and XS (corneal scar).

Why is "X2" not the answer?

X2 is corneal xerosis.

Why is "XN" not the answer?

XN is night blindness.

Why is "X3A" not the answer?

X3A is corneal ulceration involving less than one third of the cornea.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Non-communicable diseases: Bitot spots in PSM. Bitot's spots are foamy patches on the bulbar conjunctiva.

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: Bitot spots?

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.