Neonatology: jaundice: 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.

Try it

Pediatrics · Neonatology: jaundice

Sample item

A newborn becomes visibly jaundiced at 12 hours of life. How should this be interpreted?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. As pathologic jaundice requiring prompt evaluation

Jaundice in the first 24 hours is considered pathologic until evaluated because it may reflect hemolysis, infection, or other serious disease. Bilirubin measurement and clinical assessment are required promptly.

Option by option

  • A. As pathologic jaundice requiring prompt evaluation (correct)

    Correct. Very early jaundice is not assumed to be physiologic.

  • B. As proof of biliary atresia

    Biliary atresia usually causes prolonged conjugated jaundice rather than isolated early onset.

  • C. As normal physiologic jaundice only

    Physiologic jaundice typically appears after the first day.

  • D. As a harmless finding needing no follow-up

    No-follow-up management is unsafe for early jaundice.

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 A, As pathologic jaundice requiring prompt evaluation. Jaundice in the first 24 hours is considered pathologic until evaluated because it may reflect hemolysis, infection, or other serious disease.

Why is "As proof of biliary atresia" not the answer?

Biliary atresia usually causes prolonged conjugated jaundice rather than isolated early onset.

Why is "As normal physiologic jaundice only" not the answer?

Physiologic jaundice typically appears after the first day.

Why is "As a harmless finding needing no follow-up" not the answer?

No-follow-up management is unsafe for early jaundice.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: jaundice in Pediatrics. Bilirubin measurement and clinical assessment are required promptly.

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: jaundice?

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.