Gastroenterology: 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 · Gastroenterology: dehydration

Sample item

Which finding most strongly suggests severe dehydration in a child with acute diarrhea?

AMoist mucous membranes and normal activityBIsolated mild feverCLethargy with weak pulses and prolonged capillary refillDTears when crying with normal urine output

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lethargy with weak pulses and prolonged capillary refill

Severe dehydration causes signs of poor perfusion such as lethargy, weak pulses, prolonged capillary refill, and markedly reduced urine output. It requires urgent fluid resuscitation according to pediatric protocols.

Option by option

A. Moist mucous membranes and normal activity
These are reassuring signs against severe dehydration.
B. Isolated mild fever
Fever alone does not establish dehydration severity.
C. Lethargy with weak pulses and prolonged capillary refill (correct)
Correct. Altered mental state and circulatory compromise indicate severe dehydration.
D. Tears when crying with normal urine output
Normal tears and urine output suggest hydration is preserved.

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.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Lethargy with weak pulses and prolonged capillary refill. Severe dehydration causes signs of poor perfusion such as lethargy, weak pulses, prolonged capillary refill, and markedly reduced urine output.

Why is "Moist mucous membranes and normal activity" not the answer?

These are reassuring signs against severe dehydration.

Why is "Isolated mild fever" not the answer?

Fever alone does not establish dehydration severity.

Why is "Tears when crying with normal urine output" not the answer?

Normal tears and urine output suggest hydration is preserved.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastroenterology: dehydration in Pediatrics. It requires urgent fluid resuscitation according to pediatric protocols.

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: 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.