Communicable diseases: classifying an adverse event following immunisation: 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 · Communicable diseases: classifying an adverse event following immunisation

Sample item

Twelve children at an immunisation session develop fever and injection-site abscesses within hours. Investigation shows that a vial reconstituted the previous day was used. Under the AEFI cause classification, what is the cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Immunisation error-related reaction

Using a reconstituted vial beyond the permitted time is a programme error, so the cluster is classified as an immunisation error-related reaction. Product-related reactions are inherent properties of the vaccine. A cluster of identical adverse events from a vial suggests a handling problem.

Option by option

  • A. Immunisation error-related reaction (correct)

    Correct. A handling error in reconstituted vial use is an immunisation error.

  • B. Vaccine quality defect-related reaction

    Quality defect-related events arise from a manufacturing defect, not from vial handling at the site.

  • C. Coincidental event

    A coincidental event would have no link to the vaccination.

  • D. Vaccine product-related reaction

    Product-related reactions are inherent to the vaccine and occur even with correct handling.

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 A, Immunisation error-related reaction. Using a reconstituted vial beyond the permitted time is a programme error, so the cluster is classified as an immunisation error-related reaction.

Why is "Vaccine quality defect-related reaction" not the answer?

Quality defect-related events arise from a manufacturing defect, not from vial handling at the site.

Why is "Coincidental event" not the answer?

A coincidental event would have no link to the vaccination.

Why is "Vaccine product-related reaction" not the answer?

Product-related reactions are inherent to the vaccine and occur even with correct handling.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: classifying an adverse event following immunisation in PSM. Product-related reactions are inherent properties of the vaccine. A cluster of identical adverse events from a vial suggests a handling problem.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Communicable diseases: classifying an adverse event following immunisation?

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.