UPSC-CMS 2014 — Pediatrics
4 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations
Optimum age for surgery for a child with cleft lip is:
Consider the following conditions: 1. Otitis media 2. Speech problems 3. Dentition abnormalities Which of the above is/are associated with cleft palate?
Neo-natal infection in a Hepatitis 'B' positive pregnant woman can be prevented by administering:
Which of the following are the features of Rubella? 1. Rashes appear within 24 hours of onset of symptoms 2. Incubation period is 2 – 3 weeks 3. False membrane is formed in throat 4. Post auricular lymph nodes enlarge Select the correct answer using the code given below:
UPSC-CMS 2014 - Pediatrics UPSC-CMS Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Optimum age for surgery for a child with cleft lip is:
- A. 3 - 6 months (Correct Answer)
- B. 4 weeks
- C. 4 - 6 weeks
- D. 6 - 18 months
Explanation: ***3 - 6 months*** - This age range allows the infant to **grow sufficiently** and gain weight, which is important for tolerating anesthesia and surgery. - It's also early enough to minimize the development of **feeding difficulties** and **speech problems** often associated with unrepaired cleft lips. *4 weeks* - At 4 weeks, infants are generally considered too young and **fragile** for cleft lip repair due to their small size and immature physiological systems. - The risk of **anesthesia-related complications** and surgical stress is higher in very young infants. *4 - 6 weeks* - Similar to 4 weeks, this period is still too early for optimal surgical outcomes, as the infant's facial structures are still developing and they may not have reached an adequate weight. - Waiting a few more months allows for better **wound healing** and reduces the overall risks associated with the procedure. *6 - 18 months* - While cleft lip repair can be done during this period, it's generally considered **later than optimal** for isolated cleft lip. - Delaying surgery beyond 6 months can increase the likelihood of developing **feeding and speech issues**, as well as potential psycho-social impacts.
Question 2: Consider the following conditions: 1. Otitis media 2. Speech problems 3. Dentition abnormalities Which of the above is/are associated with cleft palate?
- A. 1 and 3 only
- B. 2 and 3 only
- C. 1 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3 (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***1, 2 and 3*** - All three conditions—**otitis media, speech problems, and dentition abnormalities**—are commonly associated with **cleft palate** due to anatomical and functional disruptions. - The abnormal palatal structure affects Eustachian tube function, speech articulation, and proper tooth development and alignment. *1 and 3 only* - This option incorrectly excludes **speech problems**, which are a very common and significant consequence of cleft palate. - The inability of the palate to close off the nasal cavity during speech leads to hypernasality and articulatory difficulties. *2 and 3 only* - This option incorrectly excludes **otitis media**, which is a frequent complication in individuals with cleft palate due to impaired **Eustachian tube function**. - The muscle attachments involving the soft palate and Eustachian tube orifice are often anomalous, leading to chronic middle ear fluid and infections. *1 only* - This option is incomplete as it only includes **otitis media**, while **speech problems** and **dentition abnormalities** are also major and well-documented sequelae of cleft palate. - The structural defect impacts multiple orofacial and auditory functions.
Question 3: Neo-natal infection in a Hepatitis 'B' positive pregnant woman can be prevented by administering:
- A. Hepatitis 'B' vaccine
- B. Immunoglobulin
- C. Vaccine and Immunoglobulin (Correct Answer)
- D. Corticosteroids
Explanation: ***Vaccine and Immunoglobulin*** - Administering both the **Hepatitis B vaccine** and **Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)** provides both active and passive immunity to the newborn. - This combination is crucial for preventing perinatal transmission of HBV from an infected mother, significantly reducing the risk of the baby becoming a chronic carrier. *Hepatitis 'B' vaccine* - The vaccine alone provides **active immunity**, which takes time to develop, thus not offering immediate protection against acute exposure at birth. - While essential for long-term protection, it's insufficient as a sole measure for newborns at high risk of immediate infection. *Immunoglobulin* - **Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)** provides **passive immunity**, offering immediate but short-term protection. - It contains pre-formed antibodies that neutralize the virus, but it does not confer lasting immunity. *Corticosteroids* - **Corticosteroids** are used as anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agents and have no role in preventing viral infections like Hepatitis B. - Their use in this context would be inappropriate and could even be harmful.
Question 4: Which of the following are the features of Rubella? 1. Rashes appear within 24 hours of onset of symptoms 2. Incubation period is 2 – 3 weeks 3. False membrane is formed in throat 4. Post auricular lymph nodes enlarge Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A. 2 and 3 only
- B. 1, 2 and 4
- C. 1, 2 and 3
- D. 2 and 4 only (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Correct: 2 and 4 only*** - **Incubation period of 2-3 weeks** is accurate for rubella (14-21 days) - **Postauricular lymphadenopathy** along with suboccipital and posterior cervical lymph node enlargement are **classic hallmark features** of rubella, often appearing before the rash - These two features correctly identify rubella infection *Incorrect: 1, 2 and 4* - While statements 2 and 4 are correct, **statement 1 is medically inaccurate** - The rubella rash does NOT appear within 24 hours of symptom onset - Rubella typically has a **prodromal period of 1-5 days** with low-grade fever and malaise before the rash appears - The rash spreads from face to trunk within 24 hours, but this is different from appearing within 24 hours of initial symptoms *Incorrect: 2 and 3 only* - While the incubation period (statement 2) is correct, **false membrane formation in the throat** is characteristic of **diphtheria**, not rubella - Rubella does not cause pseudomembranous pharyngitis - This option also omits the classic postauricular lymphadenopathy *Incorrect: 1, 2 and 3* - Statement 1 is inaccurate regarding rash timing - Statement 3 describes diphtheria, not rubella - Only statement 2 (incubation period) is correct in this combination