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.

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PSM · Epidemiology

Sample item

What is the appropriate denominator for an incidence proportion?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Population at risk at start

Incidence proportion uses the number of people initially at risk as its denominator, excluding those who already have the disease at baseline.

Option by option

  • A. Population at risk at start (correct)

    Correct: people at risk at baseline form the incidence-proportion denominator.

  • B. Total deaths

    Deaths do not form the standard denominator here.

  • C. All past cases only

    Past cases are not the full at-risk population.

  • D. Hospital beds

    Hospital-bed number does not measure population risk.

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, Population at risk at start. Incidence proportion uses the number of people initially at risk as its denominator, excluding those who already have the disease at baseline.

Why is "Total deaths" not the answer?

Deaths do not form the standard denominator here.

Why is "All past cases only" not the answer?

Past cases are not the full at-risk population.

Why is "Hospital beds" not the answer?

Hospital-bed number does not measure population risk.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: people at risk at baseline form the incidence-proportion denominator.

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.