Neonatology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is a classic triad of congenital rubella syndrome?

Patent ductus arteriosus, cataracts, and deafness. ***Patent ductus arteriosus, cataracts, and deafness*** - This is the **classic triad** of congenital rubella syndrome, reflecting the damage caused by the rubella virus to the developing fetus's **heart, eyes, and ears**. - **Patent ductus arteriosus** is a common cardiac defect, **cataracts** affect vision, and **sensorineural deafness** is a prevalent auditory defect. *Hepatosplenomegaly, intellectual disability, and deafness* - While **deafness** is part of the rubella triad, **hepatosplenomegaly** and **intellectual disability** are more common features of other congenital infections like **cytomegalovirus (CMV)**, not the classic rubella triad. - **Intellectual disability** can occur with severe rubella, but it's not considered a core component of the classic diagnostic triad. *Chorioretinitis, multiorgan failure, and pneumonitis* - **Chorioretinitis** is a hallmark of congenital toxoplasmosis and CMV infection, not typically seen with congenital rubella. - **Multiorgan failure** and **pneumonitis** are severe, non-specific complications that can occur with various congenital infections but are not part of rubella's classic presentation. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect as the first option accurately describes the **classic triad of congenital rubella syndrome**.

Q: Which viral infection is known to cause a condition resembling erythroblastosis?

Parvovirus B19. ***Parvovirus B19*** - **Parvovirus B19** has a specific tropism for **erythroid progenitor cells** in the bone marrow. - In the fetus, congenital infection causes **severe anemia** due to destruction of red blood cell precursors, leading to **hydrops fetalis** with massive compensatory erythropoiesis. - This results in circulating **nucleated red blood cells (erythroblasts)**, hepatosplenomegaly from extramedullary hematopoiesis, and severe anemia - a picture closely **resembling erythroblastosis fetalis**. - Unlike the immune-mediated hemolysis in Rh isoimmunization, parvovirus causes direct viral destruction of erythroid precursors with similar clinical manifestations. *CMV* - **Cytomegalovirus (CMV)** is the most common congenital infection and can cause hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, and thrombocytopenia. - However, CMV typically causes **direct hyperbilirubinemia** from hepatocellular damage rather than the hemolytic anemia pattern seen in erythroblastosis. - While CMV can affect hematopoiesis, it does not characteristically produce the massive erythroblast response and hydrops pattern typical of erythroblastosis fetalis. *EBV* - **Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)** primarily causes **infectious mononucleosis** in older children and adults, with atypical lymphocytosis. - EBV is rare in neonates and does not cause fetal hydrops or an erythroblastosis-like syndrome. - Associated with lymphoproliferative disorders and post-transplant complications rather than fetal anemia. *HSV* - **Herpes simplex virus (HSV)** causes disseminated neonatal infection with encephalitis, hepatitis, and mucocutaneous lesions. - HSV does not have tropism for erythroid precursors and does not cause the anemia, hydrops, or erythroblastosis-like picture. - Typically acquired perinatally rather than causing congenital infection with hematologic manifestations.

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: A 45-day-old infant presents with seizures. Examination reveals he is icteric, has bulging fontanelles, and exhibits opisthotonic posture. Which of the following treatments is NOT indicated?

Chlorpromazine. ***Chlorpromazine*** - Chlorpromazine is an **antipsychotic medication** and is **contraindicated** in infants, especially in the presence of seizures and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, due to its potential to **lower the seizure threshold** and cause severe extrapyramidal symptoms. - Its mechanism of action via **dopamine receptor blockade** is not relevant for treating bilirubin encephalopathy or its symptoms. *Phototherapy* - Phototherapy is a primary treatment for **neonatal jaundice** to reduce unconjugated bilirubin levels and prevent neurotoxicity. - While the infant's condition suggests severe hyperbilirubinemia with complications, phototherapy would still be indicated as an initial step or adjunct to further interventions, especially if the bilirubin levels are still rising. *Exchange Transfusion* - Exchange transfusion is a **definitive treatment** for severe hyperbilirubinemia, especially when there are signs of **acute bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus)**, as suggested by seizures, bulging fontanelles, and opisthotonus. - It rapidly removes bilirubin from the blood and is crucial to prevent further neurological damage in such critical cases. *Phenobarbital* - Phenobarbital is an **anticonvulsant** used to manage seizures, which are a prominent symptom in this infant. - It can also help to **induce hepatic enzymes** involved in bilirubin metabolism, thereby potentially aiding in the reduction of bilirubin levels in cases of severe hyperbilirubinemia, though its primary role here would be seizure control.

Q: Which of the following is a common symptom of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Seizures. ***Seizures*** - **Seizures** are a very common and early symptom of **Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)** due to neuronal injury and dysfunction. - They can manifest in various forms, including tonic, clonic, or multifocal types, and often indicate the severity of brain damage. *Lower limbs affected more than upper limbs* - The pattern of motor impairment in HIE typically involves the **upper limbs more than the lower limbs** due to the specific vulnerability of cortical regions supplying the upper extremities and face. - This is in contrast to conditions like **cerebral palsy from periventricular leukomalacia**, which characteristically affects the lower limbs more. *Predominant trunk involvement* - While HIE can cause widespread neurological dysfunction, **isolated or predominant trunk involvement** is not a characteristic presenting symptom. - Motor deficits usually involve the extremities and cranial nerves, reflecting diffuse or focal brain injury. *Proximal muscles affected more than distal muscles* - The distribution of muscle weakness in HIE does not typically show a clear pattern of **proximal over distal involvement**. - Instead, the motor deficits are often widespread or show predilection for the upper extremities, depending on the extent and location of brain injury.

Q: There is overlapping of skull sutures which can be reduced with gentle pressure. What is the grade of moulding?

Grade 2. ***Grade 2*** - **Grade 2 moulding** is characterized by overriding of the skull sutures that can be reduced with gentle pressure. This indicates moderate moulding of the fetal head. - This degree of moulding is a common finding during labor and delivery and usually resolves without intervention. *Grade 1* - **Grade 1 moulding** involves the apposition (touching) of the skull bones without actual overlap. - It signifies minimal moulding of the fetal head. *Grade 3* - **Grade 3 moulding** involves significant overlapping of the skull sutures that is fixed and cannot be reduced with gentle pressure. - This indicates severe moulding and may sometimes be associated with increased risk of intracranial complications. *Grade 4* - There is no universally recognized "Grade 4" for fetal head moulding in standard classifications. - Moulding is typically classified up to Grade 3, indicating increasing severity.

Q: Which of the following drugs is most commonly used for cardiovascular support in post-resuscitation care of neonates?

Dopamine. ***Dopamine*** - **Dopamine** is often the first-line vasopressor used in neonates for **hypotension** unresponsive to fluid resuscitation, especially in the context of post-resuscitation care, due to its dose-dependent effects on cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. - It increases **cardiac contractility** and **heart rate** at moderate doses (beta-1 adrenergic effects) and can improve renal blood flow at lower doses. *Sodium Bicarbonate* - **Sodium bicarbonate** is used to correct severe metabolic acidosis but is generally not recommended in the initial stages of neonatal resuscitation or for routine cardiovascular support due to potential adverse effects like rebound acidosis and hypernatremia. - Its use is typically reserved for documented severe metabolic acidosis after adequate ventilation and circulation have been established. *Epinephrine* - **Epinephrine** is primarily used during active cardiorespiratory arrest for its potent vasoconstrictive and inotropic effects, and for sustained **bradycardia** unresponsive to ventilation and chest compressions. - While it has strong cardiovascular effects, it is not the most common drug for *post-resuscitation cardiovascular support* unless there is persistent shock or bradycardia despite dopamine. *Dobutamine* - **Dobutamine** is an inotropic agent primarily used to improve myocardial contractility and cardiac output with less chronotropic effect than dopamine, making it beneficial in conditions with low cardiac output and normal blood pressure. - It is less commonly used as an initial agent for post-resuscitation **hypotension** in neonates compared to dopamine, which also offers systemic vasoconstriction to raise blood pressure.

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.

Q: A newborn presents with subconjunctival hemorrhage. The treatment is

No treatment. ***No treatment*** - **Subconjunctival hemorrhage** in a newborn is typically **benign** and **resolves spontaneously** within **1-2 weeks**. - It is often caused by the trauma of birth and does not require intervention. *Antibiotic eye drops* - These are indicated for **bacterial conjunctivitis** or to prevent bacterial infection, which is not the case here. - Using antibiotics without a bacterial indication is unnecessary and can contribute to **antibiotic resistance**. *Aspiration* - **Aspiration** is an invasive procedure and is **not indicated** for a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is a collection of blood under the conjunctiva. - It could cause further damage or introduce infection. *Antibiotic and steroid drops* - **Steroid drops** are typically used to reduce **inflammation**, which is not the primary issue in a subconjunctival hemorrhage. - Like plain antibiotic drops, the **antibiotic component** is not necessary in the absence of infection.

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.

Question 1

Which of the following is a classic triad of congenital rubella syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Patent ductus arteriosus, cataracts, and deafness

Answer

Hepatosplenomegaly, mental retardation, and deafness

Answer

Chorioretinitis, multiorgan failure, and pneumonitis

Answer

None of the options

Question 2

Which viral infection is known to cause a condition resembling erythroblastosis?

Accepted Answer

Parvovirus B19

Answer

EBV

Answer

CMV

Answer

HSV

Question 3

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 4

A 45-day-old infant presents with seizures. Examination reveals he is icteric, has bulging fontanelles, and exhibits opisthotonic posture. Which of the following treatments is NOT indicated?

Accepted Answer

Chlorpromazine

Answer

Phenobarbital

Answer

Phototherapy

Answer

Exchange Transfusion

Question 5

Which of the following is a common symptom of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Seizures

Answer

Lower limbs affected more than upper limbs

Answer

Predominant trunk involvement

Answer

Proximal muscles affected more than distal muscles

Question 6

There is overlapping of skull sutures which can be reduced with gentle pressure. What is the grade of moulding?

Accepted Answer

Grade 2

Answer

Grade 1

Answer

Grade 3

Answer

Grade 4

Question 7

Which of the following drugs is most commonly used for cardiovascular support in post-resuscitation care of neonates?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Dobutamine

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Sodium Bicarbonate

Question 8

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

Question 9

A newborn presents with subconjunctival hemorrhage. The treatment is

Accepted Answer

No treatment

Answer

Antibiotic eye drops

Answer

Antibiotic and steroid drops

Answer

Aspiration

Question 10

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

Neonatology — MCQs

Neonatology — MCQs

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