Neonatology: fetal alcohol 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: fetal alcohol syndrome

Sample item

A newborn has microcephaly, a smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, and short palpebral fissures. The mother consumed alcohol heavily during pregnancy. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome features growth retardation, microcephaly, a smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, short palpebral fissures and neurodevelopmental problems. It is a leading preventable cause of intellectual disability.

Option by option

  • A. Fetal valproate syndrome

    Valproate exposure is linked with neural tube defects and a long philtrum.

  • B. Fetal hydantoin syndrome

    Hydantoin syndrome features nail hypoplasia and cleft lip.

  • C. Congenital rubella

    Rubella causes cataract, deafness and heart defects.

  • D. Fetal alcohol syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Facial features and maternal history point to FAS.

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, Fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome features growth retardation, microcephaly, a smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, short palpebral fissures and neurodevelopmental problems.

Why is "Fetal valproate syndrome" not the answer?

Valproate exposure is linked with neural tube defects and a long philtrum.

Why is "Fetal hydantoin syndrome" not the answer?

Hydantoin syndrome features nail hypoplasia and cleft lip.

Why is "Congenital rubella" not the answer?

Rubella causes cataract, deafness and heart defects.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: fetal alcohol syndrome in Pediatrics. It is a leading preventable cause of intellectual disability.

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: fetal alcohol 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.