Neonatology: meconium aspiration syndrome: 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: meconium aspiration syndrome

Sample item

A post-term baby born through thick meconium-stained liquor has severe respiratory distress. The X-ray is most likely to show which findings?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Patchy infiltrates with hyperinflation

Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs in post-term babies and shows patchy opacities with hyperinflation and air-trapping, with a risk of pneumothorax. It may progress to persistent pulmonary hypertension.

Option by option

  • A. Cardiomegaly with pulmonary venous congestion only

    Cardiomegaly is not the hallmark of MAS.

  • B. Ground-glass appearance with air bronchograms

    Ground-glass with air bronchograms is RDS.

  • C. Small lung volumes with no infiltrates

    Small lung volumes are typical of pulmonary hypoplasia.

  • D. Patchy infiltrates with hyperinflation (correct)

    Correct. Patchy infiltrates and hyperinflation are characteristic.

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 D, Patchy infiltrates with hyperinflation. Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs in post-term babies and shows patchy opacities with hyperinflation and air-trapping, with a risk of pneumothorax.

Why is "Cardiomegaly with pulmonary venous congestion only" not the answer?

Cardiomegaly is not the hallmark of MAS.

Why is "Ground-glass appearance with air bronchograms" not the answer?

Ground-glass with air bronchograms is RDS.

Why is "Small lung volumes with no infiltrates" not the answer?

Small lung volumes are typical of pulmonary hypoplasia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: meconium aspiration syndrome in Pediatrics. It may progress to persistent pulmonary hypertension.

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: meconium aspiration syndrome?

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.