Oncology: acute leukemia: 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 · Oncology: acute leukemia

Sample item

Which combination most strongly suggests leukemia rather than isolated ITP in a child with bruising?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Bone pain, pallor, hepatosplenomegaly, and multiple cytopenias

Leukemia infiltrates marrow and reticuloendothelial organs, causing anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, bone pain, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. These features require urgent hematology evaluation.

Option by option

  • A. Mild isolated gum bleeding only

    Mild isolated gum bleeding can occur in thrombocytopenia without marrow infiltration.

  • B. Transient rash after viral illness

    A transient viral rash does not establish leukemia.

  • C. Bone pain, pallor, hepatosplenomegaly, and multiple cytopenias (correct)

    Correct. Multilineage marrow failure and organ infiltration are red flags for leukemia.

  • D. Normal blood counts except platelets

    Isolated platelet reduction is more compatible with ITP.

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, Bone pain, pallor, hepatosplenomegaly, and multiple cytopenias. Leukemia infiltrates marrow and reticuloendothelial organs, causing anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, bone pain, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly.

Why is "Mild isolated gum bleeding only" not the answer?

Mild isolated gum bleeding can occur in thrombocytopenia without marrow infiltration.

Why is "Transient rash after viral illness" not the answer?

A transient viral rash does not establish leukemia.

Why is "Normal blood counts except platelets" not the answer?

Isolated platelet reduction is more compatible with ITP.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oncology: acute leukemia in Pediatrics. These features require urgent hematology evaluation.

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 Oncology: acute leukemia?

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.