Neonatology: early onset sepsis: 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.

Try it

Pediatrics · Neonatology: early onset sepsis

Sample item

A term baby has lethargy, poor feeding, and temperature instability at 30 hours after prolonged rupture of membranes. Which empirical antibiotics are appropriate for early onset neonatal sepsis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Ampicillin plus gentamicin

Early onset sepsis presents within 72 hours and is caused by maternal flora such as group B streptococcus and E coli. Ampicillin and gentamicin cover these organisms and are the standard empirical regimen.

Option by option

  • A. Vancomycin plus meropenem

    Vancomycin and meropenem are reserved for late onset or resistant infection.

  • B. Metronidazole alone

    Metronidazole alone does not cover common organisms.

  • C. Oral amoxicillin alone

    Oral amoxicillin is inadequate for a sick neonate.

  • D. Ampicillin plus gentamicin (correct)

    Correct. This is the standard first-line combination.

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.

More Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, Ampicillin plus gentamicin. Early onset sepsis presents within 72 hours and is caused by maternal flora such as group B streptococcus and E coli.

Why is "Vancomycin plus meropenem" not the answer?

Vancomycin and meropenem are reserved for late onset or resistant infection.

Why is "Metronidazole alone" not the answer?

Metronidazole alone does not cover common organisms.

Why is "Oral amoxicillin alone" not the answer?

Oral amoxicillin is inadequate for a sick neonate.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: early onset sepsis in Pediatrics. Ampicillin and gentamicin cover these organisms and are the standard empirical regimen.

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: early onset sepsis?

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.