FMGE 2019 — Pediatrics

Q: In marasmus, which of the following is characteristically seen?

Severe muscle wasting. ***Severe muscle wasting*** - **Severe muscle wasting** and **loss of subcutaneous fat** are hallmark features of marasmus, giving the child a characteristic **"skin and bones"** appearance. - Children present with **visible ribs**, **sunken cheeks**, and **prominent bony landmarks** due to depletion of both fat and muscle stores from chronic energy deficiency. *Hepatomegaly* - **Hepatomegaly** is a characteristic feature of **kwashiorkor**, not marasmus, caused by **fatty infiltration** of the liver due to impaired lipoprotein synthesis. - In marasmus, the liver is typically **normal or reduced in size** as fat stores are mobilized and utilized for energy needs. *Edema* - **Pitting edema** is a hallmark feature of **kwashiorkor**, resulting from severe protein deficiency causing **hypoalbuminemia** and reduced plasma oncotic pressure. - Marasmus is characterized by **absence of edema** because the protein deficiency is proportionally less severe compared to the overall caloric deficiency. *Voracious appetite* - Children with marasmus typically have **poor appetite** and **feeding difficulties**, not increased hunger, due to severe weakness and apathy. - The **energy depletion** and **muscle wasting** significantly reduce the child's interest in food and ability to consume adequate amounts. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: A child presents with complaints of bed wetting. What is the first line of treatment?

Bed alarm technique. ***Bed alarm technique*** - The **bed alarm technique** is considered the most effective first-line treatment for **nocturnal enuresis** in children. - It works through **classical conditioning**, training the child to wake up in response to bladder fullness. *Motivational therapy* - **Motivational therapy** can be a useful adjunct to other treatments, but it is not typically the sole **first-line therapy** due to varying effectiveness. - It focuses on building the child's confidence and encouraging dryness but does not directly address the physiological aspects of bedwetting. *Oxybutynin* - **Oxybutynin** is an anticholinergic medication that can reduce bladder contractions and increase bladder capacity. - It is usually reserved for cases where **bedwetting alarms** and **desmopressin** have been ineffective, or when there is an identifiable **overactive bladder component**. *Desmopressin* - **Desmopressin** is an antidiuretic hormone analogue that reduces urine production during the night. - While effective, it is often considered a **second-line treatment** after behavioral interventions like the bed alarm, or when rapid but temporary improvement is desired. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Koplik spots are seen in?

Measles. ***Measles*** - **Koplik spots** are pathognomonic rash that appears as small, white spots with a bluish-white center on an erythematous base on the **buccal mucosa** opposite the second molars. - They typically appear 2-3 days before the onset of the characteristic maculopapular rash, during the **prodromal phase** of measles (rubeola). *Rubella* - Rubella, or **German measles**, presents with a milder rash, **lymphadenopathy**, and mild fever. - It does not cause Koplik spots; instead, **Forchheimer spots** (petechiae on the soft palate) may be seen, but these are less specific. *Mumps* - Mumps is characterized primarily by **parotitis** (swelling of the salivary glands), fever, and headache. - It does not present with Koplik spots or any characteristic oral mucosal lesions. *Varicella* - Varicella, or **chickenpox**, is characterized by a **vesicular rash** that progresses from macules to papules to vesicles to crusts, appearing in crops. - It does not involve Koplik spots; the rash is typically generalized and pruritic. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Sixth disease is?

Exanthema subitum. ***Exanthema subitum*** - Exanthema subitum, also known as **Roseola infantum** or **sixth disease**, is a common childhood illness caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) or less commonly HHV-7. - It is characterized by **3-5 days of high fever** followed by the abrupt appearance of a **maculopapular rash** once the fever subsides. *Erythema nodosum* - **Erythema nodosum** presents as tender, red nodules, typically on the shins, and is a type of **panniculitis** (inflammation of subcutaneous fat). - It is often associated with systemic diseases, infections (e.g., strep throat, tuberculosis), drugs, or inflammatory bowel disease, rather than being a primary childhood viral exanthem. *Erythema marginatum* - **Erythema marginatum** is a rare, transient, and non-pruritic rash with **serpiginous (snake-like) borders** that is a specific hallmark of **acute rheumatic fever**. - It is not a generalized viral exanthem and does not follow a typical febrile phase like sixth disease. *Erythema Infectiosum* - **Erythema infectiosum**, also known as **fifth disease**, is caused by **parvovirus B19** and is characterized by a "slapped cheek" rash on the face followed by a lacy rash on the trunk and extremities. - While it's a common childhood exanthem, it's distinct from sixth disease in its causative agent and characteristic rash pattern. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: For severe acute malnutrition in children (6-59 months), MAC will be less than

11.5 cm. ***11.5 cm*** - A **Mid-Upper Arm circumference (MUAC) below 11.5 cm** is a key diagnostic criterion for **severe acute malnutrition (SAM)** in children aged 6-59 months. - This measurement is a simple and effective screening tool in resource-limited settings to identify children at high risk of mortality due to malnutrition [1]. *13.5 cm* - A MUAC of 13.5 cm or greater is generally considered **nutritionally healthy** for children in this age group, indicating adequate muscle and fat reserves. - This measurement would typically rule out severe acute malnutrition and often even moderate malnutrition. *12.5 cm* - A MUAC between 11.5 cm and 12.5 cm is typically indicative of **moderate acute malnutrition (MAM)**, not severe acute malnutrition. - While concerning, it suggests a less critical nutritional status compared to a MUAC below 11.5 cm. *14.5 cm* - A MUAC of 14.5 cm or greater is well within the healthy range for children aged 6-59 months, indicating **good nutritional status**. - This measurement would suggest no signs of acute malnutrition. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

7 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations

Questions

In marasmus, which of the following is characteristically seen?

A child presents with complaints of bed wetting. What is the first line of treatment?

Koplik spots are seen in?

Sixth disease is?

For severe acute malnutrition in children (6-59 months), MAC will be less than

A 3-month-old baby presents with fever and respiratory rate of 60/min. The baby is irritable but feeding well. There is no stridor, no chest indrawing, and no convulsions. What is the diagnosis?

Treatment of choice used in nocturnal enuresis is:

FMGE 2019 - Pediatrics FMGE Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: In marasmus, which of the following is characteristically seen?

A. Hepatomegaly
B. Edema
C. Voracious appetite
D. Severe muscle wasting (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Severe muscle wasting*** - **Severe muscle wasting** and **loss of subcutaneous fat** are hallmark features of marasmus, giving the child a characteristic **"skin and bones"** appearance. - Children present with **visible ribs**, **sunken cheeks**, and **prominent bony landmarks** due to depletion of both fat and muscle stores from chronic energy deficiency. *Hepatomegaly* - **Hepatomegaly** is a characteristic feature of **kwashiorkor**, not marasmus, caused by **fatty infiltration** of the liver due to impaired lipoprotein synthesis. - In marasmus, the liver is typically **normal or reduced in size** as fat stores are mobilized and utilized for energy needs. *Edema* - **Pitting edema** is a hallmark feature of **kwashiorkor**, resulting from severe protein deficiency causing **hypoalbuminemia** and reduced plasma oncotic pressure. - Marasmus is characterized by **absence of edema** because the protein deficiency is proportionally less severe compared to the overall caloric deficiency. *Voracious appetite* - Children with marasmus typically have **poor appetite** and **feeding difficulties**, not increased hunger, due to severe weakness and apathy. - The **energy depletion** and **muscle wasting** significantly reduce the child's interest in food and ability to consume adequate amounts.

Question 2: A child presents with complaints of bed wetting. What is the first line of treatment?

A. Bed alarm technique (Correct Answer)
B. Motivational therapy
C. Oxybutynin
D. Desmopressin

Explanation: ***Bed alarm technique*** - The **bed alarm technique** is considered the most effective first-line treatment for **nocturnal enuresis** in children. - It works through **classical conditioning**, training the child to wake up in response to bladder fullness. *Motivational therapy* - **Motivational therapy** can be a useful adjunct to other treatments, but it is not typically the sole **first-line therapy** due to varying effectiveness. - It focuses on building the child's confidence and encouraging dryness but does not directly address the physiological aspects of bedwetting. *Oxybutynin* - **Oxybutynin** is an anticholinergic medication that can reduce bladder contractions and increase bladder capacity. - It is usually reserved for cases where **bedwetting alarms** and **desmopressin** have been ineffective, or when there is an identifiable **overactive bladder component**. *Desmopressin* - **Desmopressin** is an antidiuretic hormone analogue that reduces urine production during the night. - While effective, it is often considered a **second-line treatment** after behavioral interventions like the bed alarm, or when rapid but temporary improvement is desired.

Question 3: Koplik spots are seen in?

A. Rubella
B. Mumps
C. Varicella
D. Measles (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Measles*** - **Koplik spots** are pathognomonic rash that appears as small, white spots with a bluish-white center on an erythematous base on the **buccal mucosa** opposite the second molars. - They typically appear 2-3 days before the onset of the characteristic maculopapular rash, during the **prodromal phase** of measles (rubeola). *Rubella* - Rubella, or **German measles**, presents with a milder rash, **lymphadenopathy**, and mild fever. - It does not cause Koplik spots; instead, **Forchheimer spots** (petechiae on the soft palate) may be seen, but these are less specific. *Mumps* - Mumps is characterized primarily by **parotitis** (swelling of the salivary glands), fever, and headache. - It does not present with Koplik spots or any characteristic oral mucosal lesions. *Varicella* - Varicella, or **chickenpox**, is characterized by a **vesicular rash** that progresses from macules to papules to vesicles to crusts, appearing in crops. - It does not involve Koplik spots; the rash is typically generalized and pruritic.

Question 4: Sixth disease is?

A. Erythema nodosum
B. Erythema marginatum
C. Erythema Infectiosum
D. Exanthema subitum (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Exanthema subitum*** - Exanthema subitum, also known as **Roseola infantum** or **sixth disease**, is a common childhood illness caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) or less commonly HHV-7. - It is characterized by **3-5 days of high fever** followed by the abrupt appearance of a **maculopapular rash** once the fever subsides. *Erythema nodosum* - **Erythema nodosum** presents as tender, red nodules, typically on the shins, and is a type of **panniculitis** (inflammation of subcutaneous fat). - It is often associated with systemic diseases, infections (e.g., strep throat, tuberculosis), drugs, or inflammatory bowel disease, rather than being a primary childhood viral exanthem. *Erythema marginatum* - **Erythema marginatum** is a rare, transient, and non-pruritic rash with **serpiginous (snake-like) borders** that is a specific hallmark of **acute rheumatic fever**. - It is not a generalized viral exanthem and does not follow a typical febrile phase like sixth disease. *Erythema Infectiosum* - **Erythema infectiosum**, also known as **fifth disease**, is caused by **parvovirus B19** and is characterized by a "slapped cheek" rash on the face followed by a lacy rash on the trunk and extremities. - While it's a common childhood exanthem, it's distinct from sixth disease in its causative agent and characteristic rash pattern.

Question 5: For severe acute malnutrition in children (6-59 months), MAC will be less than

A. 11.5 cm (Correct Answer)
B. 13.5 cm
C. 12.5 cm
D. 14.5 cm

Explanation: ***11.5 cm*** - A **Mid-Upper Arm circumference (MUAC) below 11.5 cm** is a key diagnostic criterion for **severe acute malnutrition (SAM)** in children aged 6-59 months. - This measurement is a simple and effective screening tool in resource-limited settings to identify children at high risk of mortality due to malnutrition [1]. *13.5 cm* - A MUAC of 13.5 cm or greater is generally considered **nutritionally healthy** for children in this age group, indicating adequate muscle and fat reserves. - This measurement would typically rule out severe acute malnutrition and often even moderate malnutrition. *12.5 cm* - A MUAC between 11.5 cm and 12.5 cm is typically indicative of **moderate acute malnutrition (MAM)**, not severe acute malnutrition. - While concerning, it suggests a less critical nutritional status compared to a MUAC below 11.5 cm. *14.5 cm* - A MUAC of 14.5 cm or greater is well within the healthy range for children aged 6-59 months, indicating **good nutritional status**. - This measurement would suggest no signs of acute malnutrition.

Question 6: A 3-month-old baby presents with fever and respiratory rate of 60/min. The baby is irritable but feeding well. There is no stridor, no chest indrawing, and no convulsions. What is the diagnosis?

A. Pneumonia (Correct Answer)
B. Very severe pneumonia
C. Severe pneumonia
D. No Pneumonia

Explanation: ***Pneumonia*** - A respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute in a 3-month-old infant meets the **WHO criteria for fast breathing**, which is the primary indicator for diagnosing **pneumonia** in this age group. - The absence of chest indrawing, stridor, or convulsions means this falls under **pneumonia**, not **severe** or **very severe pneumonia**. *Very severe pneumonia* - This would be diagnosed if there were **danger signs** such as inability to feed, lethargy, or convulsions, which are explicitly stated as absent. - Presence of **stridor** in a calm child or **severe malnutrition** would also suggest very severe pneumonia, none of which are mentioned. *Severe pneumonia* - This classification requires the presence of **chest indrawing** or **stridor** in a child, which are noted as absent in the clinical presentation. - While the child has fast breathing, the lack of additional severe signs distinguishes it from severe pneumonia. *No Pneumonia* - The presence of **fast breathing** (respiratory rate of 60 in a 3-month-old) is a clear sign of respiratory distress indicating **pneumonia**, according to WHO guidelines. - If the child had a normal respiratory rate and no other signs of respiratory illness, this option might be considered.

Question 7: Treatment of choice used in nocturnal enuresis is:

A. Bed alarms (Correct Answer)
B. Trazodone
C. Fluoxetine
D. Imipramine

Explanation: ***Bed alarms*** - **Bed alarms** are the **first-line, non-pharmacological treatment (TOC)** for nocturnal enuresis, working through classical conditioning to train the child to wake up when urination begins. - They have a high success rate and durable response once treatment is completed. *Trazodone* - **Trazodone** is an antidepressant primarily used for **insomnia** and depression; it is not indicated for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. - It works by modulating serotonin reuptake and blocking alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, with a different mechanism of action than treatments for enuresis. *Fluoxetine* - **Fluoxetine** is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used to treat **depression, anxiety disorders**, and OCD. - It is not a recommended treatment for nocturnal enuresis and does not address the underlying physiological mechanisms. *Imipramine* - **Imipramine** is a tricyclic antidepressant that has been used for nocturnal enuresis, but it is **not the treatment of choice** due to potential side effects and the availability of safer, more effective options. - It works by anticholinergic and alpha-adrenergic effects to increase bladder capacity and arousal, but its use is often limited by its adverse effect profile.