Neonatology — MCQs

Neonatology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 951: Which of the following statements is true regarding physiological jaundice in newborns?

A. Physiological jaundice typically appears after the first 24 hours of life. (Correct Answer)
B. Physiological jaundice is a normal process and never requires any monitoring or intervention.
C. Physiological jaundice always resolves within the first week in term infants and by two weeks in preterm infants.
D. Physiological jaundice is characterized by a rapid rise in bilirubin levels within the first 24 hours of life.

Explanation: ***Physiological jaundice typically appears after the first 24 hours of life.*** - This is the **most important distinguishing feature** of physiological jaundice from pathological jaundice. - **Pathological jaundice** appears within the first 24 hours and requires immediate investigation for hemolytic disease, sepsis, or other serious causes. - The delayed onset (after 24 hours) is due to gradual breakdown of fetal red blood cells and immaturity of hepatic bilirubin conjugation enzymes. - This timing criterion is critical for clinical decision-making in neonatal care. *Physiological jaundice always resolves within the first week in term infants and by two weeks in preterm infants.* - The word "always" makes this statement incorrect - resolution times are **variable**. - While physiological jaundice **typically** resolves by 1 week in term infants and 2 weeks in preterm infants, some cases may persist longer while still being physiological. - Prolonged jaundice beyond these timeframes requires evaluation but doesn't automatically indicate pathology. *Physiological jaundice is characterized by a rapid rise in bilirubin levels within the first 24 hours of life.* - This describes **pathological jaundice**, not physiological jaundice. - Physiological jaundice shows a **gradual rise** starting after 24 hours, peaking around days 3-5. - Rapid rise within the first 24 hours suggests hemolysis, ABO/Rh incompatibility, or other pathological causes. *Physiological jaundice is a normal process and never requires any monitoring or intervention.* - Although physiological jaundice is a normal developmental process, this statement is **incorrect**. - **All jaundiced newborns require monitoring** of bilirubin levels to prevent neurotoxicity. - If bilirubin exceeds age-specific thresholds, **phototherapy** or other interventions may be needed to prevent **kernicterus** (bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction).

Question 952: Newborns typically lose how much weight in the first week?

A. 5-10% (Correct Answer)
B. 1-2%
C. 11-15%
D. 15-20%

Explanation: ***5-10%*** - **Physiologic weight loss** of 5-10% of birth weight is normal in newborns during the first week of life. - This loss is primarily due to the **mobilization of extracellular fluid** and delayed onset of full milk production (lactogenesis). - Most infants regain their birth weight by **10-14 days** of age. *1-2%* - A weight loss of only 1-2% in the first week would be **less than expected** and might suggest the infant is retaining excess fluid. - While not necessarily pathological, it's at the **lower end of the normal range** and less typical than the 5-10% range. *11-15%* - A weight loss greater than **10%** is generally considered **excessive** and indicates inadequate feeding or possible dehydration. - Weight loss of 11-15% typically requires **closer monitoring**, feeding assessment, and possible lactation support or supplementation. *15-20%* - A weight loss of 15-20% is significantly **above the normal physiological range** and represents a serious concern for **severe dehydration** or inadequate nutritional intake. - This degree of weight loss would warrant **immediate medical evaluation** and intervention, including possible hospitalization.

Question 953: In a newborn, cold stress implies:

A. 36 - 36.4 °C (Correct Answer)
B. 37 - 37.6 °C
C. 34 - 34.6 °C
D. 35 - 35.4 °C

Explanation: ***36 - 36.4 °C*** - **Cold stress** in a newborn is defined as a core body temperature between **36.0 °C and 36.4 °C** according to WHO classification. - At this temperature, the newborn begins to expend energy to maintain body heat through mechanisms like non-shivering thermogenesis, indicating physiological stress due to environmental cooling. - Requires warming interventions such as **kangaroo mother care**, warm blankets, or radiant warmers. *35 - 35.4 °C* - This temperature range indicates **moderate hypothermia** (32-35.9°C range), a more severe condition than cold stress. - The body's compensatory mechanisms are often overwhelmed, requiring more aggressive warming interventions. - Carries higher risk of complications like **metabolic acidosis**, **hypoglycemia**, and **respiratory distress**. *34 - 34.6 °C* - This temperature range also falls under **moderate hypothermia** (32-35.9°C according to WHO classification). - Requires immediate warming measures and close monitoring for metabolic derangements. - Associated with increased risk of complications including **coagulopathy**, **pulmonary hypertension**, and **shock**. *37 - 37.6 °C* - This temperature range is considered **normal** (36.5-37.5°C), indicating that the newborn is adequately warm and not experiencing cold stress. - The newborn maintains thermal homeostasis without excessive energy expenditure for heat production.

Question 954: Neonatal tetanus prevention is best done by which antenatal measure?

A. Tetanus toxoid (Correct Answer)
B. Tetanus immunoglobulin
C. Antibiotics (e.g., Penicillin)
D. Antibiotics (e.g., Metronidazole)

Explanation: ***Tetanus toxoid*** - **Tetanus toxoid vaccination** of pregnant women stimulates **active immunity** in the mother, leading to production of protective antibodies. - These maternal IgG antibodies cross the placenta and provide **passive immunity** to the fetus/neonate, protecting against neonatal tetanus. - Neonatal tetanus is often acquired through umbilical stump infection with *Clostridium tetani* spores in unhygienic delivery conditions. - **WHO recommends** at least 2 doses of TT during pregnancy for prevention of neonatal tetanus. *Tetanus immunoglobulin* - **Tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG)** provides immediate **passive immunity**, but its effect is short-lived (3-4 weeks). - It's used for **post-exposure prophylaxis** or treatment in individuals who are unimmunized or inadequately immunized. - Not practical or recommended for routine antenatal prevention due to short duration, high cost, and need for repeated administration. *Antibiotics (e.g., Penicillin)* - While penicillin can be used as part of **tetanus treatment** to kill *Clostridium tetani* bacteria, it does not provide **preventive immunity** to the fetus. - Antibiotics do not neutralize the tetanus toxin or provide antibodies for passive immunity. - They have no role in antenatal prevention of neonatal tetanus. *Antibiotics (e.g., Metronidazole)* - **Metronidazole** is another antibiotic used to treat *Clostridium tetani* infection. - Like penicillin, it does not confer **immunity** (active or passive) to the neonate. - Not an effective antenatal measure for preventing neonatal tetanus.

Question 955: A child born with microcephaly, chorioretinitis, and intracranial calcification. Most likely diagnosis is:

A. Congenital syphilis
B. Toxoplasmosis (Correct Answer)
C. Rubella
D. Trypanosomiasis

Explanation: ***Toxoplasmosis*** - The classic triad of **chorioretinitis**, **hydrocephalus** (or microcephaly), and **intracranial calcifications** is a hallmark of congenital toxoplasmosis. - **Intracranial calcifications** in toxoplasmosis are characteristically **diffuse and scattered** throughout the brain parenchyma (unlike CMV which causes periventricular calcifications). - **Microcephaly** results from central nervous system damage and inflammation. - Other features may include seizures, hepatosplenomegaly, and jaundice. *Congenital syphilis* - Characterized by manifestations such as **hepatosplenomegaly**, **bone abnormalities** (e.g., osteochondritis), rash, and rhinitis. - While it can cause CNS involvement, the specific triad of chorioretinitis and intracranial calcifications is not typical. *Rubella* - The classic congenital rubella syndrome triad includes **sensorineural hearing loss**, ocular defects (e.g., **cataracts**, **glaucoma**), and **congenital heart defects** (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary artery stenosis). - Although it can cause microcephaly, chorioretinitis and prominent intracranial calcifications are not characteristic features. *Trypanosomiasis* - Congenital trypanosomiasis (e.g., Chagas disease) can cause **cardiomyopathy**, **megaviscera** (megaesophagus, megacolon), and neurological symptoms. - It does not typically present with the described triad of chorioretinitis and intracranial calcifications.

Question 956: All are features of neonatal tetanus except which of the following?

A. Caused by clostridium tetani
B. Onset is usually within 24 hours of birth (Correct Answer)
C. Usually occurs after the first 2 days of life.
D. Mortality is 50–75%.

Explanation: ***Onset is usually within 24 hours of birth*** - This is **INCORRECT** and is the exception among the options. - **Neonatal tetanus** typically presents between **3 to 14 days of life**, with most cases occurring around **day 7**. - The **incubation period** is needed for bacterial colonization at the umbilical stump and sufficient toxin production. - Onset within 24 hours would be extremely rare and inconsistent with the typical pathophysiology. *Caused by clostridium tetani* - This is a **correct feature** of neonatal tetanus. - The causative organism is **_Clostridium tetani_**, which produces the neurotoxin **tetanospasmin**. - The organism typically enters through the **umbilical stump** during unhygienic cord cutting or care practices. *Mortality is 50–75%* - This is a **correct feature** of neonatal tetanus. - The mortality rate is indeed very high, ranging from **50% to 75%** even with intensive care. - High mortality is due to severe **muscle spasms**, **respiratory failure**, and **autonomic dysfunction**. *Usually occurs after the first 2 days of life* - This is a **correct feature** of neonatal tetanus. - The condition typically manifests after **day 3**, with peak incidence around **day 7 of life**. - This timing reflects the **incubation period** required for bacterial growth and toxin production at the umbilical site.

Question 957: After 5 days of birth, a baby developed poor feeding, convulsions, fever, high protein, low sugar, and low chloride levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. This is most likely due to –

A. Listeria monocytogenes infection (Correct Answer)
B. Tuberculosis meningitis
C. Leptospira interrogans infection
D. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Explanation: ***Listeria monocytogenes infection*** - **Listeria** is a significant cause of **neonatal meningitis**, typically manifesting within the first few days of life with symptoms like fever, poor feeding, and **convulsions**. - The CSF profile of **high protein**, **low glucose** (sugar), and **low chloride** is characteristic of **bacterial meningitis**, which **Listeria** commonly causes in neonates. *Tuberculosis meningitis* - **Tuberculous meningitis** in neonates is rare and typically presents after several weeks or months, not 5 days post-birth. - While it can cause similar CSF findings of high protein and low glucose, the very early onset in this case makes it less likely. *Leptospira interrogans infection* - **Leptospirosis** is usually acquired through contact with infected animal urine and is rare in neonates unless there's a specific maternal exposure, which is not indicated. - While it can cause meningitis, the clinical picture and rapid onset in a neonate make other bacterial causes more probable. *Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection* - **Mycoplasma pneumoniae** is primarily a cause of **respiratory tract infections**, especially atypical pneumonia. - While neurological complications like encephalitis exist, **meningitis** is very uncommon, and the typical CSF profile for bacterial meningitis (low glucose, high protein) is not usually associated with **Mycoplasma**.

Question 958: Which of the following statements is MOST accurate regarding neonatal sepsis?

A. Meningitis is a late complication of sepsis.
B. Fever can occur in neonatal sepsis but is not always present. (Correct Answer)
C. Jaundice is a possible symptom of neonatal sepsis but not definitive.
D. None of the options.

Explanation: ***Fever can occur in neonatal sepsis but is not always present.*** - This is the **MOST accurate and clinically critical** statement about neonatal sepsis. - Neonates with sepsis often present with **non-specific symptoms** due to their immature immune system, and **hypothermia or temperature instability** is MORE common than fever. - The **absence of fever does NOT rule out sepsis** in neonates—this is a fundamental principle in neonatal medicine. - Temperature instability (including hypothermia) is one of the **primary presenting signs** of neonatal sepsis and represents a critical diagnostic pitfall if not recognized. *Meningitis is a late complication of sepsis.* - This statement is **INCORRECT**. - In neonates, **meningitis** is often an **early or concurrent manifestation** of sepsis, NOT a late complication. - The immature **blood-brain barrier** in neonates allows rapid CNS seeding, meaning meningitis can occur simultaneously with bacteremia in early-onset sepsis. - Up to **25-30% of neonatal sepsis cases** have concurrent meningitis, especially with Group B Streptococcus and E. coli. *Jaundice is a possible symptom of neonatal sepsis but not definitive.* - This statement is **technically accurate** but NOT the MOST accurate answer. - While **jaundice** can occur in neonatal sepsis (due to hepatic dysfunction, hemolysis, or cholestasis), it is an extremely **common and often benign finding** in neonates. - Jaundice is present in **60% of term** and **80% of preterm** neonates, mostly from physiological causes. - Unlike temperature instability (Option B), jaundice is a **less specific and less critical** diagnostic sign for sepsis. *None of the options.* - This option is incorrect because Option B is accurate and represents the most clinically important statement.

Question 959: Primary complex in the liver in congenital tuberculosis occurs through?

A. Haematogenous Spread (Correct Answer)
B. Ingestion of Infected Amniotic Fluid
C. Lymphatic Spread
D. Aspiration of Infected Amniotic Fluid

Explanation: ***Haematogenous Spread*** - In **congenital tuberculosis**, the most common route of infection is **transplacental** via the umbilical vein, leading to **haematogenous spread** directly to the fetal liver. - The fetal liver acts as the **first filter** for these blood-borne bacilli, resulting in the formation of a **primary complex** there. *Lymphatic Spread* - While lymphatic spread is crucial in adult TB, it is typically secondary to an initial focus and occurs via **lymph nodes**, rather than being the primary route for liver involvement in congenital cases. - In congenital tuberculosis, the initial dissemination to the liver is almost exclusively via the **bloodstream**, bypassing the typical lymphatic drainage pathway for primary infection. *Ingestion of Infected Amniotic Fluid* - Ingestion of infected amniotic fluid would primarily affect the **gastrointestinal tract**, leading to primary lesions in the intestines or associated mesenteric lymph nodes, not the liver. - For the liver to be involved via ingestion, there would need to be a subsequent **haematogenous dissemination** from the gut, which is a less direct route than transplacental spread. *Aspiration of Infected Amniotic Fluid* - Aspiration of infected amniotic fluid would primarily cause **pulmonary involvement** in the fetus, leading to congenital pneumonia or primary complexes in the lungs. - This route does not directly account for the presence of a primary complex specifically in the **liver** as the initial site of infection.

Question 960: Which of the following is an effective sign of successful neonatal resuscitation?

A. Change in skin color
B. Presence of air entry
C. Increased heart rate (Correct Answer)
D. None of the options

Explanation: ***Increased heart rate*** - A definitive increase in **heart rate** (typically above 100 bpm) is the most critical and rapid indicator of effective neonatal resuscitation, signifying improved oxygenation and cardiac output. - The goal of neonatal resuscitation is to establish effective ventilation, which subsequently leads to an improved heart rate. *Change in skin color* - **Skin color** changes, while reassuring, are often a delayed and less reliable indicator of immediate resuscitation success compared to heart rate. - Peripheral cyanosis can persist even with adequate central oxygenation, making it a subjective and less sensitive marker. *Presence of air entry* - While **air entry** into the lungs is essential for effective ventilation, merely hearing breath sounds does not guarantee sufficient oxygen exchange or circulatory improvement. - Air entry can be present even with ineffective ventilation (e.g., inadequate tidal volume or airway obstruction), and it doesn't directly measure the systemic response. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **increased heart rate** is indeed a primary and immediate sign of successful neonatal resuscitation.

Practice by Chapter

Neonatal Resuscitation

Practice Questions

Care of the Normal Newborn

Practice Questions

Prematurity and Low Birth Weight

Practice Questions

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Practice Questions

Neonatal Jaundice

Practice Questions

Neonatal Sepsis

Practice Questions

Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Practice Questions

Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Practice Questions

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

Practice Questions

Perinatal Asphyxia

Practice Questions

Neonatal Seizures

Practice Questions

Congenital Anomalies

Practice Questions

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free