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

Why can a highly sensitive test be useful as an initial screen?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. It minimizes false-negative results

High sensitivity identifies most affected people and is useful when missing disease is costly, with positive results often followed by a specific confirmatory test.

Option by option

  • A. It eliminates confirmatory testing

    Screen positives often need confirmation.

  • B. It guarantees high positive predictive value

    Predictive value also depends on prevalence.

  • C. It always has perfect specificity

    Specificity may be lower.

  • D. It minimizes false-negative results (correct)

    Correct: sensitivity reduces missed 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.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, It minimizes false-negative results. High sensitivity identifies most affected people and is useful when missing disease is costly, with positive results often followed by a specific confirmatory test.

Why is "It eliminates confirmatory testing" not the answer?

Screen positives often need confirmation.

Why is "It guarantees high positive predictive value" not the answer?

Predictive value also depends on prevalence.

Why is "It always has perfect specificity" not the answer?

Specificity may be lower.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Screening in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: sensitivity reduces missed 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.