Paediatric: latex allergy in spina bifida: practice question

A Orthopaedics 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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Orthopaedics · Paediatric: latex allergy in spina bifida

Sample item

A child with myelomeningocele has hives and wheeze during a routine operation after a latex catheter is used. Which statement about this problem is correct?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Children with spina bifida have a high risk of latex allergy, so latex-free equipment should be used from the outset

Children with myelomeningocele have repeated exposure to latex from early surgery and catheterisation, and develop sensitisation more often than the general population. Latex-free equipment is therefore recommended from birth in these patients. Anaphylaxis during surgery can be life threatening.

Option by option

  • A. Latex allergy is no more common in spina bifida than in the general population

    Spina bifida carries an increased risk of latex allergy.

  • B. Latex precautions are required only for adults

    Precautions are needed in children, particularly those with spina bifida.

  • C. Children with spina bifida have a high risk of latex allergy, so latex-free equipment should be used from the outset (correct)

    Correct. High sensitisation rates mean latex-free care from the outset.

  • D. Latex allergy only occurs after age 30

    Latex allergy can develop at any age, including infancy.

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 Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Children with spina bifida have a high risk of latex allergy, so latex-free equipment should be used from the outset. Children with myelomeningocele have repeated exposure to latex from early surgery and catheterisation, and develop sensitisation more often than the general population.

Why is "Latex allergy is no more common in spina bifida than in the general p…" not the answer?

Spina bifida carries an increased risk of latex allergy.

Why is "Latex precautions are required only for adults" not the answer?

Precautions are needed in children, particularly those with spina bifida.

Why is "Latex allergy only occurs after age 30" not the answer?

Latex allergy can develop at any age, including infancy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric: latex allergy in spina bifida in Orthopaedics. Latex-free equipment is therefore recommended from birth in these patients. Anaphylaxis during surgery can be life threatening.

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 Paediatric: latex allergy in spina bifida?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics 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.