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 denominator for an attack rate during an outbreak?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. People at risk who were exposed during the outbreak period

Attack rate describes the proportion of an at-risk exposed population that becomes ill during a defined outbreak period.

Option by option

  • A. Only laboratory-confirmed deaths

    Deaths measure mortality rather than attack rate.

  • B. All hospital beds in the district

    Hospital beds are not an epidemiological denominator.

  • C. Total years lived by cases

    Person-years are used for incidence rates.

  • D. People at risk who were exposed during the outbreak period (correct)

    Correct: denominator is the exposed population at 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 D, People at risk who were exposed during the outbreak period. Attack rate describes the proportion of an at-risk exposed population that becomes ill during a defined outbreak period.

Why is "Only laboratory-confirmed deaths" not the answer?

Deaths measure mortality rather than attack rate.

Why is "All hospital beds in the district" not the answer?

Hospital beds are not an epidemiological denominator.

Why is "Total years lived by cases" not the answer?

Person-years are used for incidence rates.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: denominator is the exposed population at risk.

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.