Epidemiology: 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 · Epidemiology

Sample item

What measure includes all existing cases at a point in time?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Prevalence

Prevalence describes the burden of disease by including everyone who has the condition at a specified time, regardless of when it began.

Option by option

  • A. Prevalence (correct)

    Correct: prevalence includes existing disease cases.

  • B. Relative risk

    Relative risk compares risk between exposed and unexposed groups.

  • C. Incidence

    Incidence counts only new disease onset.

  • D. Attack rate

    Attack rate is a cumulative incidence measure during an outbreak.

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, Prevalence. Prevalence describes the burden of disease by including everyone who has the condition at a specified time, regardless of when it began.

Why is "Relative risk" not the answer?

Relative risk compares risk between exposed and unexposed groups.

Why is "Incidence" not the answer?

Incidence counts only new disease onset.

Why is "Attack rate" not the answer?

Attack rate is a cumulative incidence measure during an outbreak.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: prevalence includes existing disease cases.

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 Epidemiology?

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.