Neonatology: sepsis diagnostic workup: 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: sepsis diagnostic workup

Sample item

Which investigation is the gold standard for confirming neonatal sepsis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Blood culture

Blood culture is the gold standard for diagnosis. Sepsis screen elements such as CRP, micro-ESR and leucocyte indices support the decision but are not confirmatory.

Option by option

  • A. Micro-ESR

    Micro-ESR is a screening component only.

  • B. C-reactive protein

    CRP is an acute phase reactant that is nonspecific.

  • C. Total leucocyte count

    TLC and ANC changes are nonspecific.

  • D. Blood culture (correct)

    Correct. Culture identifies the organism and sensitivity.

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, Blood culture. Blood culture is the gold standard for diagnosis.

Why is "Micro-ESR" not the answer?

Micro-ESR is a screening component only.

Why is "C-reactive protein" not the answer?

CRP is an acute phase reactant that is nonspecific.

Why is "Total leucocyte count" not the answer?

TLC and ANC changes are nonspecific.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: sepsis diagnostic workup in Pediatrics. Sepsis screen elements such as CRP, micro-ESR and leucocyte indices support the decision but are not confirmatory.

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: sepsis diagnostic workup?

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.