Nutrition and malnutrition: cow's milk protein allergy proctocolitis: 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 · Nutrition and malnutrition: cow's milk protein allergy proctocolitis

Sample item

A well-appearing, thriving 6-week-old exclusively breastfed infant passes small streaks of blood and mucus in stools. Examination is normal. What is the best initial management?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Maternal elimination of cow's milk protein with continued breastfeeding

Allergic proctocolitis in a well breastfed infant is managed by maternal dietary elimination of cow's milk protein with continued breastfeeding. If formula-fed, an extensively hydrolysed formula is used.

Option by option

  • A. Start oral antibiotics

    Antibiotics are not indicated as no infection is suspected.

  • B. Stop breastfeeding and start soy formula

    Stopping breastfeeding is unnecessary and loses protective benefits.

  • C. Maternal elimination of cow's milk protein with continued breastfeeding (correct)

    Correct. Maternal dietary elimination is first-line.

  • D. Laparotomy

    Surgery is not needed for a well infant.

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 C, Maternal elimination of cow's milk protein with continued breastfeeding. Allergic proctocolitis in a well breastfed infant is managed by maternal dietary elimination of cow's milk protein with continued breastfeeding.

Why is "Start oral antibiotics" not the answer?

Antibiotics are not indicated as no infection is suspected.

Why is "Stop breastfeeding and start soy formula" not the answer?

Stopping breastfeeding is unnecessary and loses protective benefits.

Why is "Laparotomy" not the answer?

Surgery is not needed for a well infant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nutrition and malnutrition: cow's milk protein allergy proctocolitis in Pediatrics. If formula-fed, an extensively hydrolysed formula is used.

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 Nutrition and malnutrition: cow's milk protein allergy proctocolitis?

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.