Dehydration: 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 · Dehydration

Sample item

Which finding suggests severe dehydration in a child?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Lethargy with poor peripheral perfusion

Lethargy, prolonged capillary refill, weak pulses, cool extremities, and reduced urine output suggest severe dehydration or shock and require urgent assessment and resuscitation.

Option by option

  • A. Mild hunger before lunch

    Hunger alone is nonspecific.

  • B. Lethargy with poor peripheral perfusion (correct)

    Correct: lethargy and poor perfusion are danger signs.

  • C. Single loose stool only

    One loose stool does not establish dehydration severity.

  • D. Normal playful behavior

    A playful child is less likely to have severe dehydration.

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.

More Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, Lethargy with poor peripheral perfusion. Lethargy, prolonged capillary refill, weak pulses, cool extremities, and reduced urine output suggest severe dehydration or shock and require urgent assessment and resuscitation.

Why is "Mild hunger before lunch" not the answer?

Hunger alone is nonspecific.

Why is "Single loose stool only" not the answer?

One loose stool does not establish dehydration severity.

Why is "Normal playful behavior" not the answer?

A playful child is less likely to have severe dehydration.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dehydration in Pediatrics. The correct option holds because: Correct: lethargy and poor perfusion are danger signs.

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 Dehydration?

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.