Gastroenterology: intussusception: 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 · Gastroenterology: intussusception

Sample item

An infant has intermittent severe crying, vomiting, lethargy between episodes, and red currant-jelly stool. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Intussusception

Intussusception is telescoping of bowel into bowel and typically causes episodic colic, vomiting, lethargy, and later bloody mucoid stool. Ultrasound is a useful diagnostic test and enema reduction may be therapeutic in suitable cases.

Option by option

  • A. Intussusception (correct)

    Correct. The episodic pain and currant-jelly stool are a classic pattern.

  • B. Hirschsprung disease

    Hirschsprung disease commonly presents with delayed meconium and chronic obstruction.

  • C. Gastroesophageal reflux

    Reflux causes effortless regurgitation rather than obstructive colic and bloody stool.

  • D. Pyloric stenosis

    Pyloric stenosis causes progressive nonbilious projectile vomiting in young infants.

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 A, Intussusception. Intussusception is telescoping of bowel into bowel and typically causes episodic colic, vomiting, lethargy, and later bloody mucoid stool.

Why is "Hirschsprung disease" not the answer?

Hirschsprung disease commonly presents with delayed meconium and chronic obstruction.

Why is "Gastroesophageal reflux" not the answer?

Reflux causes effortless regurgitation rather than obstructive colic and bloody stool.

Why is "Pyloric stenosis" not the answer?

Pyloric stenosis causes progressive nonbilious projectile vomiting in young infants.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastroenterology: intussusception in Pediatrics. Ultrasound is a useful diagnostic test and enema reduction may be therapeutic in suitable cases.

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 Gastroenterology: intussusception?

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.