Screening: 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 · Screening

Sample item

What does screening test sensitivity describe?

AProportion of the population accepting screeningBProportion of people without disease who test negativeCProbability that a positive result is a true caseDProportion of people with disease who test positive

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Proportion of people with disease who test positive

Sensitivity is the ability of a test to identify people who truly have the condition, so highly sensitive tests produce fewer false negatives.

Option by option

A. Proportion of the population accepting screening
Uptake is a program participation measure, not sensitivity.
B. Proportion of people without disease who test negative
Specificity concerns correct negatives among non-cases.
C. Probability that a positive result is a true case
Positive predictive value depends strongly on prevalence.
D. Proportion of people with disease who test positive (correct)
Correct: sensitivity concerns detection among true cases.

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.

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, Proportion of people with disease who test positive. Sensitivity is the ability of a test to identify people who truly have the condition, so highly sensitive tests produce fewer false negatives.

Why is "Proportion of the population accepting screening" not the answer?

Uptake is a program participation measure, not sensitivity.

Why is "Proportion of people without disease who test negative" not the answer?

Specificity concerns correct negatives among non-cases.

Why is "Probability that a positive result is a true case" not the answer?

Positive predictive value depends strongly on prevalence.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Screening in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: sensitivity concerns detection among true 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 Screening?

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.