Neonatology: 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

Sample item

Which newborn feature requires urgent assessment for possible sepsis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Poor feeding, lethargy, and temperature instability

Neonatal sepsis can present subtly with poor feeding, lethargy, abnormal temperature, respiratory distress, or color change, so prompt assessment and empiric treatment may be needed.

Option by option

  • A. Transient newborn peeling

    Mild peeling can be normal newborn skin change.

  • B. Poor feeding, lethargy, and temperature instability (correct)

    Correct: this nonspecific unwell pattern is concerning in a newborn.

  • C. Brief hiccups after feeds

    Hiccups are common and usually benign.

  • D. Single sneeze

    A single sneeze is not a sepsis diagnosis.

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 B, Poor feeding, lethargy, and temperature instability. Neonatal sepsis can present subtly with poor feeding, lethargy, abnormal temperature, respiratory distress, or color change, so prompt assessment and empiric treatment may be needed.

Why is "Transient newborn peeling" not the answer?

Mild peeling can be normal newborn skin change.

Why is "Brief hiccups after feeds" not the answer?

Hiccups are common and usually benign.

Why is "Single sneeze" not the answer?

A single sneeze is not a sepsis diagnosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology in Pediatrics. The correct option holds because: Correct: this nonspecific unwell pattern is concerning in a newborn.

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?

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.