Neonatal infections — MCQs

A 6-day-old newborn is brought to the emergency department by his mother due to a high fever that started last night. His mother says that he was born via an uneventful vaginal delivery at home at 38 weeks gestation and was doing fine up until yesterday when he became disinterested in breastfeeding and spit up several times. His temperature is 39.5°C (103.1°F), pulse is 155/min, respirations are 45/min, and O2 sats are 92% on room air. He is lethargic and minimally responsive to stimuli. While on his back, his head is quickly lifted towards his chest which causes his legs to flex. The mother had only a few prenatal care visits and none at the end of the pregnancy. What is the most likely source of this patients infection?

A previously healthy 3-week-old infant is brought to the emergency department 6 hours after the onset of fever and persistent irritability. He had been well until 2 days ago, when he started feeding poorly and sleeping more than usual. He appears lethargic and irritable when roused for examination. His temperature is 39°C (102°F). He cries when he is picked up and when his neck is flexed. The remainder of the physical and neurological examinations show no other abnormalities. His serum glucose is 115 mg/mL. His total serum bilirubin is 6.3 mg/dL. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis shows: Pressure 255 mm H2O Erythrocytes 2/mm3 Leukocyte count 710/mm3 Segmented neutrophils 95% Lymphocytes 5% Protein 86 mg/dL Glucose 22 mg/dL Gram stain results of the cerebrospinal fluid are pending. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial antibiotic regimen for this patient?

A 3-week-old male newborn is brought to the physician by his 33-year-old mother for a well-child examination. He was born at term and delivered at home because his parents wanted a natural childbirth. The mother did not receive prenatal care. She has no history of serious illness and takes no medications. According to the mother, delivery was fast and without complications. He is being exclusively breastfed. He appears healthy. He is at 35th percentile for length and at 40th percentile for weight. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. This patient is at increased risk for which of the following complications at this time?

A 48-hour-old newborn presents in respiratory distress. He is gasping for breath in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and has had a fever for the past 2 days with a temperature ranging between 37.2°C (99.0°F) and 38.6°C (101.5°F). He also has not been feeding well and seems to be lethargic. The patient was delivered normally at 36 weeks of gestation. His mother had a premature rupture of membranes, which occurred with her last pregnancy, as well. No history of infection during pregnancy. On physical examination, a bulging anterior fontanelle is noticed, along with tensing of the extensor muscles. A lumbar puncture is performed, and CSF analysis is pending. Which of the following would be the best course of treatment in this patient?

A 64-hour-old baby girl is being evaluated for discharge. She was born by forceps-assisted vaginal delivery at 39 weeks gestation. The mother has no chronic medical conditions and attended all her prenatal visits. The mother’s blood type is A+. On day 1, the patient was noted to have a scalp laceration. Breastfeeding was difficult at first but quickly improved upon nurse assistance. The patient has had adequate wet diapers since birth. Upon physical examination, the resident notes the infant has scleral icterus and jaundiced skin. The scalp laceration noted on day 1 is intact without fluctuance or surrounding erythema. When the infant is slightly lifted from the bed and released, she spread out her arms, pulls them in, and exhibits a strong cry. Labs are drawn as shown below: Blood type: AB- Total bilirubin 8.7 mg/dL Direct bilirubin 0.5 mg/dL Six hours later, repeat total bilirubin is 8.3 mg/dL. Which of the following is the next best step in the management of the baby’s condition?

A 2-month-old boy is brought to the pediatrician for a routine check-up. His mother says he is feeding well and has no concerns. He is at the 85th percentile for height and 82nd percentile for weight. Immunizations are up-to-date. Results of serum hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) testing are positive. Which of the following best explains this patient's hepatitis B virus status?

A 9-year-old girl presents to the emergency department with a fever and a change in her behavior. She presented with similar symptoms 6 weeks ago and was treated for an Escherichia coli infection. She also was treated for a urinary tract infection 10 weeks ago. Her mother says that last night her daughter felt ill and her condition has been worsening. Her daughter experienced a severe headache and had a stiff neck. This morning she was minimally responsive, vomited several times, and produced a small amount of dark cloudy urine. The patient was born at 39 weeks and met all her developmental milestones. She is currently up to date on her vaccinations. Her temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 60/35 mmHg, pulse is 190/min, respirations are 33/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. The patient is started on intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Which of the following is the best underlying explanation for this patient's presentation?

A 5-day-old male newborn is brought to the physician by his mother for the evaluation of progressive yellowing of his skin for 2 days. The mother reports that the yellowing started on the face and on the forehead before affecting the trunk and the limbs. She states that she breastfeeds every 2–3 hours and that the newborn feeds well. He has not vomited and there have been no changes in his bowel habits or urination. The patient was born at 38 weeks' gestation via vaginal delivery and has been healthy. His newborn screening was normal. His vital signs are within normal limits. Physical examination shows scleral icterus and widespread jaundice. The remainder of the examination shows no abnormalities. Serum studies show: Bilirubin Total 8 mg/dL Direct 0.5 mg/dL AST 16 U/L ALT 16 U/L Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 16-day-old male newborn is brought to the emergency department because of fever and poor feeding for 2 days. He became very fussy the previous evening and cried for most of the night. He was born at 36 weeks' gestation and weighed 2430 g (5 lb 3 oz). The pregnancy and delivery were uncomplicated. The mother does not recall any sick contacts at home. He currently weighs 2776 g (6 lb 2 oz). He appears irritable. His temperature is 38.6°C (101.5°F), pulse is 180/min, and blood pressure is 82/51 mm Hg. Examination shows scleral icterus. He becomes more agitated when picked up. There is full range of motion of his neck and extremities. The anterior fontanelle feels soft and flat. Neurologic examination shows no abnormalities. Blood cultures are drawn and fluid resuscitation is initiated. A urinalysis obtained by catheterization shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in diagnosis?

A 1-month-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his parents for recent episodes of non-bilious projectile vomiting and refusal to eat. The boy had no problem with passing meconium or eating at birth; he only started having these episodes at 3 weeks old. Further history reveals that the patient is a first born male and that the boy’s mother was treated with erythromycin for an infection late in the third trimester. Physical exam reveals a palpable mass in the epigastrum. Which of the following mechanisms is likely responsible for this patient’s disorder?