Endocrinology: congenital hypothyroidism: 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 · Endocrinology: congenital hypothyroidism

Sample item

Why is newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism important?

AIt diagnoses type 1 diabetesBIt eliminates the need for vaccinationsCIt prevents all childhood infectionsDEarly treatment prevents irreversible neurodevelopmental impairment

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Early treatment prevents irreversible neurodevelopmental impairment

Thyroid hormone is essential for early brain development. Newborn screening allows prompt levothyroxine treatment before clinical signs become obvious, preventing severe cognitive impairment.

Option by option

A. It diagnoses type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes requires separate screening and clinical evaluation.
B. It eliminates the need for vaccinations
Vaccinations remain essential.
C. It prevents all childhood infections
Thyroxine does not prevent infectious diseases.
D. Early treatment prevents irreversible neurodevelopmental impairment (correct)
Correct. Timely replacement protects neurologic development.

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 D, Early treatment prevents irreversible neurodevelopmental impairment. Thyroid hormone is essential for early brain development.

Why is "It diagnoses type 1 diabetes" not the answer?

Type 1 diabetes requires separate screening and clinical evaluation.

Why is "It eliminates the need for vaccinations" not the answer?

Vaccinations remain essential.

Why is "It prevents all childhood infections" not the answer?

Thyroxine does not prevent infectious diseases.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrinology: congenital hypothyroidism in Pediatrics. Newborn screening allows prompt levothyroxine treatment before clinical signs become obvious, preventing severe cognitive impairment.

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 Endocrinology: congenital hypothyroidism?

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.