NEET-PG 2015 - Pediatrics Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following statements about cephalhematoma is correct?

It is hemorrhage between the skull and periosteum. ***It is hemorrhage between the skull and periosteum*** - A **cephalhematoma** is defined as a collection of blood between the **periosteum** and the underlying **skull bone** (subperiosteal). - Its boundaries are limited by the suture lines because the periosteum is firmly attached at these junctions, preventing blood from crossing. *It is hemorrhage within the subcutaneous tissue around the skull* - This description corresponds to a **caput succedaneum**, which involves **edema and hemorrhage** in the subcutaneous tissue, rather than between the skull and periosteum. - Unlike a cephalhematoma, a **caput succedaneum** can cross suture lines and is typically present at birth. *It is type of subdural hemorrhage* - A **subdural hemorrhage** involves bleeding between the **dura mater** and the **arachnoid mater** within the cranial vault. - This type of hemorrhage is a **neurological emergency** and is distinct from a cephalhematoma, which is an external scalp injury. *It is subperiosteal bleeding in the skull* - While this statement is technically correct (subperiosteal means under the periosteum), the **standard definition** specifically states "between the periosteum and the skull bone." - The distinction is important: **subperiosteal** could theoretically include bleeding within the periosteum itself, whereas the precise location is in the **potential space** between periosteum and bone. - Option A is more precise and is the preferred medical definition.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Kwashiorkor?

Hypertension. ***Hypertension*** - **Hypertension** is generally **NOT a direct symptom** of Kwashiorkor; rather, children with Kwashiorkor often have **low blood pressure** due to overall cardiovascular system depression. - While chronic malnutrition can have various systemic effects, elevated blood pressure is not a characteristic clinical feature of this condition. - This is the correct answer as the question asks what is NOT a symptom. *Hair changes and depigmentation* - This is a **classic symptom** of Kwashiorkor, characterized by sparse, brittle hair that may be discolored (e.g., reddish or yellowish - "flag sign"). - These changes reflect the severe protein deficiency interfering with hair follicle function and melanin production. *Edema* - **Edema**, particularly in the lower extremities and face, is a **hallmark symptom** of Kwashiorkor, caused by severe protein deficiency leading to decreased oncotic pressure. - This results in fluid shifting from the intravascular space into the interstitial space. *Growth retardation* - **Growth retardation** (stunting) is a common and severe symptom of Kwashiorkor, reflecting the long-term impact of inadequate protein and energy intake on physical development. - Both height and weight are significantly below age-appropriate norms.

Q: What is the maintenance fluid requirement in a 6 kg child ?

600 ml/day. **600 ml/day** - The **Holliday-Segar formula** is used to calculate maintenance fluid requirements. For the first 10 kg of body weight, the requirement is 100 ml/kg/day. - For a 6 kg child, the calculation is 6 kg * 100 ml/kg/day = **600 ml/day**. *240 ml/day* - This value is significantly **lower** than the recommended maintenance fluid for a 6 kg child, which would lead to **dehydration**. - It does not align with the standard Holliday-Segar formula for this weight. *300 ml/day* - This amount is **insufficient** for a 6 kg child's daily maintenance fluid needs and would risk **hypovolemia**. - It represents roughly half of the calculated requirement based on standard pediatric guidelines. *1200 ml/day* - This volume is significantly **higher** than the maintenance fluid requirement for a 6 kg child and could lead to **fluid overload** and hyponatremia. - This calculation might be appropriate for a much heavier child or in situations of increased fluid loss.

Q: Most common type of TAPVC is -

Supracardiac. ***Supracardiac*** - This is the **most common type** of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC), accounting for about 50% of cases. - Pulmonary veins drain into a **common vertical vein** that ascends to connect with the **innominate vein** or superior vena cava. *Cardiac* - In this type, the pulmonary veins drain directly into the **right atrium** or a coronary sinus. - It is relatively less common than the supracardiac type. *Infracardiac* - This is the **least common** and most severe type, where the pulmonary veins drain below the diaphragm, typically into the portal vein, ductus venosus, or inferior vena cava. - It is often associated with **pulmonary venous obstruction**, leading to cyanosis and pulmonary hypertension. *Multiple* - While it is possible to have anomalous drainage sites, **multiple sites** draining into different systemic veins are less common than a single primary site for TAPVC. - TAPVC is typically classified into specific anatomic types rather than 'multiple' as a primary category.

Q: Which of the following statements about shock in children is correct?

Tachycardia is a sensitive indicator of shock in children.. ***Tachycardia is a sensitive indicator of shock in children.*** - **Tachycardia** is often the first and most reliable sign of **compensated shock** in children, as their cardiovascular system initially maintains cardiac output by increasing heart rate. - Children have a remarkable ability to compensate for significant fluid loss, and an elevated heart rate helps maintain **perfusion** before blood pressure drops. *Mottling of extremities is an early sign of shock.* - **Mottling** of extremities is typically a sign of **decompensated shock** and indicates significant vasoconstriction and poor tissue perfusion. - It is a **late sign** that suggests the child's compensatory mechanisms are failing. *Confusion and stupor are early signs of shock.* - **Altered mental status**, such as confusion or stupor, usually indicates **severe shock** and reduced cerebral perfusion. - These are generally **late signs** of shock, appearing after initial compensatory mechanisms have failed. *Respiratory rate is a more sensitive indicator of shock than heart rate.* - While **tachypnea** can be present in shock due to metabolic acidosis or compensatory mechanisms, **tachycardia** is a more consistently sensitive and earlier indicator of circulatory compromise. - Respiratory changes can also be influenced by other factors like pain, fever, or respiratory illness, making heart rate a more specific initial marker for shock.

Q: At what rate should dopamine be administered for inotropic support in a severely dehydrated child?

1-5 microgram/kg/min. ***1-5 microgram/kg/min*** - This dosage range of **dopamine** primarily targets **beta-1 adrenergic receptors**, leading to **increased myocardial contractility** (inotropic effect) and improved cardiac output. - It is appropriate for managing **hypotension** and poor perfusion in a severely dehydrated child after initial **fluid resuscitation** has been attempted but was insufficient. *0.1-0.5 microgram/kg/min* - This very low dose range of dopamine primarily stimulates **dopaminergic receptors** in the renal and mesenteric vascular beds. - Its main effect is **vasodilation** in these areas, which increases blood flow to the kidneys and gut, but it provides minimal to no **inotropic support**. *1-5 mg/kg/min* - This dosage is significantly too high, as it is in milligrams rather than micrograms. - Administering dopamine at this rate would lead to severe **toxicity**, including profound **tachycardia**, ventricular arrhythmias, and extreme **vasoconstriction**. *10-15 mg/kg/min* - This dopamine dosage is also excessively high, again due to being in milligrams per minute rather than micrograms per minute. - Such a dose would be **lethal**, causing catastrophic cardiovascular collapse due to overwhelming **alpha-adrenergic stimulation** and severe arrhythmias.

Q: Which of the following is used to decrease the duration and severity of acute diarrhea?

Zn. ***Zn*** - **Zinc supplementation** has been shown to reduce the **duration** and **severity** of acute diarrhea, particularly in children in developing countries [1]. - It plays a crucial role in **immune function** and **intestinal integrity**, which helps in recovery from diarrheal episodes [1]. *Mg* - **Magnesium** is an essential mineral, but it is not directly used to decrease the duration or severity of acute diarrhea. - In fact, high doses of magnesium can act as a **laxative** and may worsen diarrhea. *Fe* - **Iron** is vital for red blood cell formation and oxygen transport, but it does not directly impact the duration or severity of acute diarrhea. - Iron supplementation is primarily used to treat **anemia**. *Ca* - **Calcium** is important for bone health and various metabolic processes, but it is not a primary intervention for reducing the duration or severity of acute diarrhea. - While sometimes used for mild digestive issues, it does not have the same evidence base as zinc for acute diarrhea.

Q: Most common site for bone marrow aspiration in neonates is -

Anteromedial tibia. ***Anteromedial tibia*** - The **anteromedial tibia** is the preferred site in neonates due to its relatively **large marrow cavity**, superficial location, and reduced risk of vital organ injury. - This site is easily accessible and provides a good yield of marrow cells, making it suitable for diagnostic purposes in newborns. *Anterior superior iliac crest* - While a common site for bone marrow aspiration in older children and adults, the **anterior superior iliac crest** can be more challenging and poses a greater risk in neonates due to their smaller bone structures. - The iliac crest offers less bony prominence and a thinner cortex in neonates, increasing the difficulty of the procedure and potential for sampling error. *Posterior superior iliac crest* - The **posterior superior iliac crest** is another common site in older children and adults but is generally avoided in neonates due to the difficulty in positioning and the risk of damaging vital structures in the vicinity. - It requires prone positioning and offers less superficial bone, making it a less practical and safe choice for neonates compared to the tibia. *Sternum* - **Sternal aspiration** is generally contraindicated in neonates and young children due to the thinness of the sternal bone and proximity to vital structures like the heart and great vessels. - There is a high risk of **perforation** of the sternum and injury to underlying organs, making this site unsafe for bone marrow aspiration in this age group.

Q: Which of the following is true regarding precocious puberty:

Sexual maturity is attained early. ***Sexual maturity is attained early*** - **Precocious puberty** is defined by the development of secondary sexual characteristics significantly earlier than the average age. - This early onset of puberty means that affected individuals reach **sexual maturity** at a younger chronological age. *Mental function is increased* - Precocious puberty does not inherently lead to an increase in **mental function** or cognitive abilities. - While hormonal changes can influence mood and behavior, they do not enhance intelligence. *Reproductive function is absent* - Precocious puberty implies the premature activation of the **hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis**, leading to the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics and, in many cases, the potential for **reproductive function**. - Girls, for example, can experience early menarche and boys can produce sperm, meaning fertility is not absent but rather accelerated. *Body proportions remain unchanged* - Precocious puberty often results in changes in **body proportions**, particularly due to the early closure of epiphyseal plates. - Although there is an initial growth spurt, the premature fusion of growth plates can lead to a shorter-than-average adult height.

Q: Which of the following is not a cause of neonatal anaemia?

Wilson's Disease. ***Wilson's Disease*** - Wilson's disease is a disorder of **copper metabolism** that typically manifests later in childhood or adolescence with **hepatic**, **neurological**, or **psychiatric symptoms**, not neonatal anemia. - While it can cause hemolytic anemia in older individuals due to copper toxicity, it is not a recognized cause of **neonatal anemia**. *Subgaleal Hemorrhage* - A subgaleal hemorrhage is a significant collection of blood in the **subgaleal space** of the scalp, which can lead to substantial **blood loss** and subsequent **neonatal anemia** due to a large potential space. - This type of hemorrhage is often associated with **vacuum extraction** or other traumatic deliveries. *Abruptio placentae* - **Abruptio placentae** involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, leading to **fetal-maternal hemorrhage** and sometimes significant **fetal blood loss**. - This acute blood loss in the fetus can manifest as severe **neonatal anemia** at birth. *Diamond Blackfan syndrome* - **Diamond Blackfan syndrome** is a congenital red cell aplasia characterized by a failure of **red blood cell production** in the bone marrow. - This condition presents with severe **macrocytic anemia** early in infancy, often requiring transfusions.

Question 1

Which of the following statements about cephalhematoma is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is hemorrhage between the skull and periosteum

Answer

It is hemorrhage within the subcutaneous tissue around the skull

Answer

It is type of subdural hemorrhage

Answer

It is subperiosteal bleeding in the skull

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of Kwashiorkor?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hair changes and depigmentation

Answer

Edema

Answer

Growth retardation

Question 3

What is the maintenance fluid requirement in a 6 kg child ?

Accepted Answer

600 ml/day

Answer

240 ml/day

Answer

300 ml/day

Answer

1200 ml/day

Question 4

Most common type of TAPVC is -

Accepted Answer

Supracardiac

Answer

Cardiac

Answer

Infracardiac

Answer

Multiple

Question 5

Which of the following statements about shock in children is correct?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia is a sensitive indicator of shock in children.

Answer

Mottling of extremities is an early sign of shock.

Answer

Confusion and stupor are early signs of shock.

Answer

Respiratory rate is a more sensitive indicator of shock than heart rate.

Question 6

At what rate should dopamine be administered for inotropic support in a severely dehydrated child?

Accepted Answer

1-5 microgram/kg/min

Answer

0.1-0.5 microgram/kg/min

Answer

1-5 mg/kg/min

Answer

10-15 mg/kg/min

Question 7

Which of the following is used to decrease the duration and severity of acute diarrhea?

Accepted Answer

Zn

Answer

Mg

Answer

Fe

Answer

Ca

Question 8

Most common site for bone marrow aspiration in neonates is -

Accepted Answer

Anteromedial tibia

Answer

Anterior superior iliac crest

Answer

Posterior superior iliac crest

Answer

Sternum

Question 9

Which of the following is true regarding precocious puberty:

Accepted Answer

Sexual maturity is attained early

Answer

Mental function is increased

Answer

Reproductive function is absent

Answer

Body proportions remain unchanged

Question 10

Which of the following is not a cause of neonatal anaemia?

Accepted Answer

Wilson's Disease

Answer

Subgaleal Hemorrhage

Answer

Abruptio placentae

Answer

Diamond Blackfan syndrome

NEET-PG 2015 — Pediatrics