Neonatology: neonatal conjunctivitis timing: 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: neonatal conjunctivitis timing

Sample item

A newborn has profuse purulent eye discharge with swollen lids on day 3 of life. Which organism is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Chemical conjunctivitis appears on day 1, gonococcal on days 2 to 5 with a profuse purulent discharge, and chlamydial on days 5 to 14. Gonococcal disease is an emergency because it can perforate the cornea.

Option by option

  • A. Adenovirus

    Adenovirus is rare in neonates.

  • B. Chlamydia trachomatis

    Chlamydia generally appears after day 5.

  • C. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (correct)

    Correct. Day 2 to 5 purulent conjunctivitis suggests gonococcus.

  • D. Chemical irritation from prophylaxis

    Chemical conjunctivitis appears on day 1 and is mild.

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 C, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Chemical conjunctivitis appears on day 1, gonococcal on days 2 to 5 with a profuse purulent discharge, and chlamydial on days 5 to 14.

Why is "Adenovirus" not the answer?

Adenovirus is rare in neonates.

Why is "Chlamydia trachomatis" not the answer?

Chlamydia generally appears after day 5.

Why is "Chemical irritation from prophylaxis" not the answer?

Chemical conjunctivitis appears on day 1 and is mild.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: neonatal conjunctivitis timing in Pediatrics. Gonococcal disease is an emergency because it can perforate the cornea.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: neonatal conjunctivitis timing?

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.