Immunisation: BCG scar and lymphadenitis: 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 · Immunisation: BCG scar and lymphadenitis

Sample item

A 6-week-old infant has a 1 cm non-suppurative left axillary lymph node on the side of BCG vaccination, with no fever or systemic illness. What is the recommended management?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Observation and reassurance

BCG normally forms a papule after 2 to 3 weeks that ulcerates and heals with a scar by 12 weeks. Non-suppurative BCG lymphadenitis resolves spontaneously, so conservative management is adequate.

Option by option

  • A. Start antitubercular therapy

    ATT is not indicated for simple lymphadenitis.

  • B. Repeat BCG vaccination

    Repeat BCG is not recommended.

  • C. Surgical excision

    Excision is considered only if suppurative and persistent.

  • D. Observation and reassurance (correct)

    Correct. Conservative observation is appropriate.

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, Observation and reassurance. BCG normally forms a papule after 2 to 3 weeks that ulcerates and heals with a scar by 12 weeks.

Why is "Start antitubercular therapy" not the answer?

ATT is not indicated for simple lymphadenitis.

Why is "Repeat BCG vaccination" not the answer?

Repeat BCG is not recommended.

Why is "Surgical excision" not the answer?

Excision is considered only if suppurative and persistent.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Immunisation: BCG scar and lymphadenitis in Pediatrics. Non-suppurative BCG lymphadenitis resolves spontaneously, so conservative management is adequate.

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 Immunisation: BCG scar and lymphadenitis?

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.