Outbreak investigation: 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 · Outbreak investigation

Sample item

What is a line list during an outbreak?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Table of individual cases and key variables

A line list records each case with variables such as onset date, age, location, symptoms, exposures, and outcome for rapid outbreak analysis.

Option by option

  • A. Map showing only district borders

    Maps are separate descriptive tools.

  • B. Roster of hospital staff

    Staff roster is not case surveillance.

  • C. List of antimicrobial drugs in pharmacy

    Drug lists are inventory.

  • D. Table of individual cases and key variables (correct)

    Correct: individual case data form a line list.

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, Table of individual cases and key variables. A line list records each case with variables such as onset date, age, location, symptoms, exposures, and outcome for rapid outbreak analysis.

Why is "Map showing only district borders" not the answer?

Maps are separate descriptive tools.

Why is "Roster of hospital staff" not the answer?

Staff roster is not case surveillance.

Why is "List of antimicrobial drugs in pharmacy" not the answer?

Drug lists are inventory.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Outbreak investigation in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: individual case data form a line list.

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 Outbreak investigation?

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.