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.

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PSM · Screening

Sample item

Which feature is essential before introducing a population screening programme?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. An effective intervention for disease detected early

Screening is justified only when early detection leads to better outcomes through an acceptable pathway for confirmation and effective treatment.

Option by option

  • A. No plan for confirmatory testing

    Positive screens require planned diagnostic confirmation.

  • B. A disease with no recognizable preclinical phase

    A detectable preclinical phase is needed for screening benefit.

  • C. A test that causes more harm than benefit

    Net harm would argue against implementation.

  • D. An effective intervention for disease detected early (correct)

    Correct: benefit requires that earlier detection can change management.

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, An effective intervention for disease detected early. Screening is justified only when early detection leads to better outcomes through an acceptable pathway for confirmation and effective treatment.

Why is "No plan for confirmatory testing" not the answer?

Positive screens require planned diagnostic confirmation.

Why is "A disease with no recognizable preclinical phase" not the answer?

A detectable preclinical phase is needed for screening benefit.

Why is "A test that causes more harm than benefit" not the answer?

Net harm would argue against implementation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Screening in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: benefit requires that earlier detection can change management.

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.