Neonatology: IMNCI danger signs in a young infant: 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: IMNCI danger signs in a young infant

Sample item

A 3-week-old is brought with breathing rate of 64 per minute, no chest indrawing and normal temperature. What is the IMNCI classification and action?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Possible serious bacterial infection (fast breathing); refer or give antibiotics per protocol

For a young infant under 2 months, fast breathing is 60 or more breaths per minute and is a sign of possible serious bacterial infection. Other signs include severe chest indrawing, fever or low temperature, convulsions and poor feeding.

Option by option

  • A. Local bacterial infection only

    Local infection refers to skin pustules or umbilical redness.

  • B. Feeding problem only

    The breathing sign takes precedence over feeding problems.

  • C. No infection; home care

    A rate above 60 is abnormal, so home care alone is wrong.

  • D. Possible serious bacterial infection (fast breathing); refer or give antibiotics per protocol (correct)

    Correct. Fast breathing classifies as possible serious bacterial infection.

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, Possible serious bacterial infection (fast breathing); refer or give antibiotics per protocol. For a young infant under 2 months, fast breathing is 60 or more breaths per minute and is a sign of possible serious bacterial infection.

Why is "Local bacterial infection only" not the answer?

Local infection refers to skin pustules or umbilical redness.

Why is "Feeding problem only" not the answer?

The breathing sign takes precedence over feeding problems.

Why is "No infection; home care" not the answer?

A rate above 60 is abnormal, so home care alone is wrong.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: IMNCI danger signs in a young infant in Pediatrics. Other signs include severe chest indrawing, fever or low temperature, convulsions and poor feeding.

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: IMNCI danger signs in a young infant?

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.