Neonatology: oxygen in preterm resuscitation: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Neonatology: oxygen in preterm resuscitation

Sample item

How should oxygen be used when resuscitating a 30-week preterm infant?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Start with air or low oxygen and titrate by pulse oximetry to rising target saturations

In preterm infants resuscitation begins with air or low oxygen concentration, titrated to target saturations that rise gradually over the first 10 minutes. High oxygen causes oxidative injury such as retinopathy of prematurity.

Option by option

  • A. Start with 100 percent oxygen in all cases

    100 percent oxygen causes oxidative injury and is not routinely recommended.

  • B. Avoid oxygen completely

    Oxygen should not be avoided if saturations are low.

  • C. Start with air or low oxygen and titrate by pulse oximetry to rising target saturations (correct)

    Correct. Titration with oximetry is the recommended approach.

  • D. Give oxygen only after intubation

    Oxygen can be delivered by mask or blender without intubation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Start with air or low oxygen and titrate by pulse oximetry to rising target saturations. In preterm infants resuscitation begins with air or low oxygen concentration, titrated to target saturations that rise gradually over the first 10 minutes.

Why is "Start with 100 percent oxygen in all cases" not the answer?

100 percent oxygen causes oxidative injury and is not routinely recommended.

Why is "Avoid oxygen completely" not the answer?

Oxygen should not be avoided if saturations are low.

Why is "Give oxygen only after intubation" not the answer?

Oxygen can be delivered by mask or blender without intubation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: oxygen in preterm resuscitation in Pediatrics. High oxygen causes oxidative injury such as retinopathy of prematurity.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neonatology: oxygen in preterm resuscitation?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.