NEET-PG 2015 - Pediatrics PYQs Practice Questions

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

5-10%. ***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. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following is not found in DiGeorge's syndrome?

Eczema. ***Eczema*** - **Eczema** is NOT a recognized feature of **DiGeorge syndrome** (22q11.2 deletion syndrome). - While individuals with immunodeficiencies may experience various skin conditions, eczema is specifically associated with conditions like **Hyper-IgE syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome**, or atopic disorders, not DiGeorge's. - DiGeorge's follows the **CATCH-22 mnemonic**: Cardiac defects, Abnormal facies, Thymic hypoplasia, Cleft palate, Hypocalcemia, 22q11 deletion. *Tetany* - **Tetany IS found** in DiGeorge's syndrome due to **hypocalcemia** from parathyroid gland hypoplasia or aplasia. - The lack of parathyroid hormone leads to **low serum calcium levels**, resulting in increased neuromuscular excitability and tetany. *T cell lymphopenia* - **T-cell lymphopenia IS found** in DiGeorge's syndrome due to **thymic hypoplasia or aplasia**. - The primary immunological defect is **T-cell deficiency**, leading to increased susceptibility to viral, fungal, and intracellular bacterial infections. - B-cell numbers are typically normal, though antibody responses may be impaired due to lack of T-cell help. *Mucocutaneous candidiasis* - **This IS found** in patients with DiGeorge's syndrome as an opportunistic infection due to **T-cell immunodeficiency**. - The impaired **cellular immunity** makes individuals highly susceptible to fungal infections like *Candida albicans* affecting mucous membranes and skin. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: What is the typical lifespan of neonatal red blood cells (RBCs)?

60-90 days. ***60-90 days*** - The typical lifespan of **neonatal red blood cells (RBCs)** is **60-90 days**, which is **shorter than adult RBCs** (120 days). - This reduced lifespan is due to **increased membrane fragility**, **higher metabolic rate**, and **immature enzyme systems** in neonatal erythrocytes. - Neonatal RBCs contain more **fetal hemoglobin (HbF)** and have structural differences that contribute to their shorter survival. - This shorter lifespan contributes to the **physiological anemia of infancy** seen in the first few months of life. *90-120 days* - This range represents the typical lifespan of **adult RBCs**, not neonatal RBCs. - Neonatal RBCs have a **demonstrably shorter lifespan** compared to adult erythrocytes. - Confusing adult and neonatal RBC lifespans is a common error in clinical practice. *120-150 days* - This range is **longer than even adult RBC lifespan** (typically 120 days). - This would be **highly atypical** for any normal erythrocyte population. *150-200 days* - This represents an **abnormally prolonged** RBC lifespan not seen in normal physiology. - Such extended survival would suggest **pathological conditions** affecting RBC destruction or measurement error. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following statements about the differences between human milk and cow milk is NOT true?

Cow milk has comparatively more fat than human milk.. ***Cow milk has comparatively more fat than human milk.*** - This statement is **incorrect** and is the answer to this "NOT true" question. Human milk generally has a **higher fat content** (3.5-4.5 g/100mL) than cow milk (~3.5 g/100mL), which is crucial for the rapid neurological development of infants. - The fat in human milk is also more **bioavailable** due to the presence of lipases, aiding digestion and absorption. - Human milk contains essential **long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs)** like DHA and ARA that support brain and retinal development. *Cow milk has comparatively more protein than human milk.* - This statement is **true**. Cow milk contains significantly **more protein** (~3.3 g/100mL) compared to human milk (~1.0 g/100mL), particularly **casein protein**. - While more protein might seem beneficial, the higher protein load in cow milk is harder for an **infant's immature kidneys** to process and increases renal solute load. *Cow milk has comparatively more calcium than human milk.* - This statement is **true**. Cow milk contains approximately **120 mg/100mL calcium** compared to human milk which has about **30 mg/100mL**. - However, the **bioavailability** of calcium and the optimal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in human milk favor better absorption despite the lower absolute amount. *Cow milk has comparatively more casein than human milk.* - This statement is **true**. Cow milk has a **casein-to-whey ratio of 80:20**, while human milk has a ratio of approximately **40:60** (more whey). - The predominance of whey proteins in human milk makes it easier to digest, forming softer curds in the infant's stomach. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: At what age group is Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia most commonly observed?

< 5 years. ***< 5 years*** - *Streptococcus pneumoniae* pneumonia is particularly common and severe in **young children**, especially those under the age of 5, due to their developing immune systems. - This age group has a higher incidence of **invasive pneumococcal disease**, including pneumonia and meningitis, making vaccination crucial. *5 - 15 years* - While pneumonia can occur in this age group, it is **less common** than in very young children or older adults. - The immune system is generally more developed and effective at this age, leading to a **lower incidence** of severe pneumococcal infections. *20 - 25 years* - This age group generally has a robust immune system, making *Streptococcus pneumoniae* pneumonia **uncommon** unless there are underlying risk factors such as immunocompromise or chronic medical conditions. - Most cases of pneumonia in young adults are often due to **viral pathogens** or *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*. *30 - 40 years* - Similar to the 20-25 years age group, incidence of *Streptococcus pneumoniae* pneumonia remains **relatively low** in healthy individuals in their 30s and 40s. - Increased risk is typically associated with **chronic illnesses**, smoking, or conditions that weaken the immune system. [Practice more Pediatrics PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

Newborns typically lose how much weight in the first week?

Accepted Answer

5-10%

Answer

1-2%

Answer

11-15%

Answer

15-20%

Question 2

Which of the following is not found in DiGeorge's syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Eczema

Answer

Tetany

Answer

T cell lymphopenia

Answer

Mucocutaneous candidiasis

Question 3

What is the typical lifespan of neonatal red blood cells (RBCs)?

Accepted Answer

60-90 days

Answer

120-150 days

Answer

150-200 days

Answer

90-120 days

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the differences between human milk and cow milk is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

Cow milk has comparatively more fat than human milk.

Answer

Cow milk has comparatively more protein than human milk.

Answer

Cow milk has comparatively more calcium than human milk.

Answer

Cow milk has comparatively more casein than human milk.

Question 5

At what age group is Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia most commonly observed?

Accepted Answer

< 5 years

Answer

5 - 15 years

Answer

20 - 25 years

Answer

30 - 40 years

Question 6

Which of the following statements about development milestones at 6 months of age is incorrect?

Accepted Answer

Pincer grasp

Answer

Watching self in mirror

Answer

Sitting in tripod position

Answer

Monosyllable sounds

Question 7

All of the following are clinical features suggestive of tracheoesophageal fistula except -

Accepted Answer

Fever

Answer

Choking and Coughing

Answer

Regurgitation

Answer

Cyanosis

Question 8

At what age does stranger anxiety typically develop in infants?

Accepted Answer

7 months

Answer

3 months

Answer

4 months

Answer

11 months

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a milestone typically expected at 1 year of age?

Accepted Answer

Walking upstairs independently

Answer

Playing a simple ball game

Answer

Using 2 words that are meaningful

Answer

Spontaneous scribbling

Question 10

At what age do children typically begin to use past and present tense in their speech?

Accepted Answer

30 Months

Answer

18 Months

Answer

1 Year

Answer

2 Years

NEET-PG 2015 — Pediatrics