Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Practice Questions

Q: Best treatment for nocturnal enuresis is

Bed alarm. ***Bed alarm*** - **Bed alarms** are considered the most effective long-term treatment for nocturnal enuresis by conditioning the child to wake up to a full bladder. - This method has a high success rate and a lower relapse rate compared to pharmacological treatments. *Positive reinforcement* - While helpful for building confidence and encouraging adherence to treatment, **positive reinforcement** alone is generally not sufficient to cure nocturnal enuresis. - It works best as an adjunct to other established treatments, like bed alarms, to motivate the child. *Punishment* - **Punishment** is not an effective or appropriate treatment for nocturnal enuresis and can be psychologically harmful to the child. - Enuresis is an involuntary condition, and punishment can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and shame, potentially worsening the problem. *Desmopressin* - **Desmopressin** (DDAVP) is a synthetic analog of antidiuretic hormone and can reduce urine production at night, offering a short-term solution. - It is effective in reducing the frequency of wet nights but has a higher relapse rate once discontinued, and it does not cure the underlying problem like a bed alarm does.

Q: Which of the following conditions is least likely to be associated with intellectual disability?

Hypopituitarism. ***Hypopituitarism*** - This condition primarily affects **growth** and **metabolism** due to deficiencies in pituitary hormones but typically does not directly cause intellectual disability unless severe complications arise or it is a component of a larger syndrome affecting brain development. - While it can lead to developmental delays if growth hormone is deficient, it's less directly linked to intrinsic intellectual impairment compared to the other options. *Cretinism* - This is a condition of **severe congenital hypothyroidism** that, if untreated, leads to profoundly impaired physical and mental development. - Adequate thyroid hormone is crucial for normal brain development, and its absence results in irreversible intellectual disability. *Birth asphyxia* - Refers to a lack of oxygen to the brain around the time of birth, which can cause **hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)**. - HIE can lead to significant and permanent brain damage, often resulting in cerebral palsy and intellectual disability. *Down syndrome* - This genetic disorder, caused by a **trisomy of chromosome 21**, is characterized by a range of physical features and a varying degree of intellectual disability. - Intellectual disability is a universal feature of Down syndrome, though its severity can differ between individuals.

Q: A 5-year-old child is assessed to have a developmental age of one year. What is his developmental quotient?

20. ***20*** - The **developmental quotient (DQ)** is calculated as (developmental age ÷ chronological age) × 100. In this case, (1 year ÷ 5 years) × 100 = 20. - A DQ of 20 indicates a significant **developmental delay**, as the child's developmental age is much lower than their chronological age. *100* - A developmental quotient of 100 would mean the child's **developmental age is equal to their chronological age**, indicating typical development. - In this scenario, it would imply a 5-year-old child having a developmental age of 5 years, which is not the case. *80* - A developmental quotient of 80 would mean the child's developmental age is 80% of their chronological age, or (4 years ÷ 5 years) × 100. - This would still indicate some developmental delay, but not as severe as observed, as the child's developmental age is only 1 year. *60* - A developmental quotient of 60 would mean the child's developmental age is 60% of their chronological age, or (3 years ÷ 5 years) × 100. - While indicating a delay, it is not consistent with a 1-year developmental age for a 5-year-old child.

Q: Which of the following statements about Rett syndrome is true?

It is an X-linked disorder.. ***It is an X-linked disorder.*** - Rett syndrome is caused by mutations in the **MECP2 gene** located on the **X chromosome**. - This X-linked inheritance pattern explains the differing prevalence and severity between males and females. *It is associated with malformation of the brain.* - While Rett syndrome is a **neurodevelopmental disorder**, it is not characterized by overt structural brain malformations. - Instead, it involves **defects in brain function and development** at a molecular level, particularly affecting synaptic plasticity. *Males are more commonly affected than females.* - Rett syndrome predominantly affects **females**, as males with the causative MECP2 mutation typically experience severe encephalopathy and often die in infancy or early childhood. - Females can survive due to **X-inactivation**, which allows for a mosaic pattern of expression. *Seizures are less common in affected individuals.* - **Seizures are very common** in individuals with Rett syndrome, affecting up to 80% or more of patients. - They can manifest in various forms and often become a significant clinical challenge during adolescence and adulthood.

Question 1

Best treatment for nocturnal enuresis is

Accepted Answer

Bed alarm

Answer

Positive reinforcement

Answer

Punishment

Answer

Desmopressin

Question 2

Which of the following conditions is least likely to be associated with intellectual disability?

Accepted Answer

Hypopituitarism

Answer

Cretinism

Answer

Birth asphyxia

Answer

Down syndrome

Question 3

A 5-year-old child is assessed to have a developmental age of one year. What is his developmental quotient?

Accepted Answer

20

Answer

100

Answer

80

Answer

60

Question 4

Which of the following statements about Rett syndrome is true?

Accepted Answer

It is an X-linked disorder.

Answer

It is associated with malformation of the brain.

Answer

Males are more commonly affected than females.

Answer

Seizures are less common in affected individuals.

Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics — MCQs

Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?