Gastroenterology: functional constipation: 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: functional constipation

Sample item

A toddler with painful hard stools begins withholding stool, has large infrequent bowel movements, and is otherwise thriving with normal examination. What is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Functional constipation

Functional constipation commonly follows painful defecation, leading to withholding and progressive rectal stool retention. Management includes disimpaction when needed, maintenance laxatives, diet, and behavioral support.

Option by option

  • A. Hirschsprung disease

    Hirschsprung usually begins in early infancy with delayed meconium and obstruction.

  • B. Celiac crisis

    Celiac crisis is severe malabsorptive illness.

  • C. Functional constipation (correct)

    Correct. Withholding after painful stools is the typical functional cycle.

  • D. Inflammatory bowel disease

    IBD causes inflammation, diarrhea, bleeding, and growth effects.

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 C, Functional constipation. Functional constipation commonly follows painful defecation, leading to withholding and progressive rectal stool retention.

Why is "Hirschsprung disease" not the answer?

Hirschsprung usually begins in early infancy with delayed meconium and obstruction.

Why is "Celiac crisis" not the answer?

Celiac crisis is severe malabsorptive illness.

Why is "Inflammatory bowel disease" not the answer?

IBD causes inflammation, diarrhea, bleeding, and growth effects.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastroenterology: functional constipation in Pediatrics. Management includes disimpaction when needed, maintenance laxatives, diet, and behavioral support.

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: functional constipation?

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.