Neonatology: neonatal resuscitation: 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: neonatal resuscitation

Sample item

A newborn is apneic with a heart rate of 80/min after drying, warming, and stimulation. What is the next most important intervention?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Begin positive-pressure ventilation

In neonatal resuscitation, inadequate breathing with a heart rate below 100/min calls for effective positive-pressure ventilation. Chest compressions are considered if the heart rate remains below 60/min despite effective ventilation.

Option by option

  • A. Delay intervention for five minutes

    Delay worsens hypoxia and bradycardia.

  • B. Begin positive-pressure ventilation (correct)

    Correct. Ventilation is the critical next step for most neonatal bradycardia.

  • C. Give oral glucose

    Oral glucose is not appropriate in an apneic newborn.

  • D. Start chest compressions immediately

    Compressions are not first-line at a heart rate of 80/min before ventilation has been optimized.

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, Begin positive-pressure ventilation. In neonatal resuscitation, inadequate breathing with a heart rate below 100/min calls for effective positive-pressure ventilation.

Why is "Delay intervention for five minutes" not the answer?

Delay worsens hypoxia and bradycardia.

Why is "Give oral glucose" not the answer?

Oral glucose is not appropriate in an apneic newborn.

Why is "Start chest compressions immediately" not the answer?

Compressions are not first-line at a heart rate of 80/min before ventilation has been optimized.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: neonatal resuscitation in Pediatrics. Chest compressions are considered if the heart rate remains below 60/min despite effective ventilation.

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 Neonatology: neonatal resuscitation?

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.