Neonatology: necrotizing enterocolitis: 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: necrotizing enterocolitis

Sample item

A premature infant develops abdominal distension, bilious aspirates, bloody stools, lethargy, and pneumatosis intestinalis on abdominal radiograph. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a severe intestinal inflammatory and ischemic disease of premature infants. Pneumatosis intestinalis is a characteristic imaging finding and management requires bowel rest, antibiotics, and surgical review when indicated.

Option by option

  • A. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

    Pyloric stenosis causes nonbilious vomiting in early infancy.

  • B. Intussusception

    Intussusception is uncommon in premature neonates and has different imaging and symptoms.

  • C. Simple gastroesophageal reflux

    Reflux does not cause pneumatosis or systemic illness.

  • D. Necrotizing enterocolitis (correct)

    Correct. Prematurity with bloody stool and pneumatosis is classic NEC.

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 D, Necrotizing enterocolitis. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a severe intestinal inflammatory and ischemic disease of premature infants.

Why is "Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis" not the answer?

Pyloric stenosis causes nonbilious vomiting in early infancy.

Why is "Intussusception" not the answer?

Intussusception is uncommon in premature neonates and has different imaging and symptoms.

Why is "Simple gastroesophageal reflux" not the answer?

Reflux does not cause pneumatosis or systemic illness.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: necrotizing enterocolitis in Pediatrics. Pneumatosis intestinalis is a characteristic imaging finding and management requires bowel rest, antibiotics, and surgical review when indicated.

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: necrotizing enterocolitis?

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.