Neonatology: umbilical granuloma: 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: umbilical granuloma

Sample item

A 2-week-old has a moist pink 5 mm nodule at the base of the umbilicus with a little serous discharge. The surrounding skin is normal and the baby is well. What is the best treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cauterisation with silver nitrate

An umbilical granuloma is excess granulation tissue after cord separation. It is treated by touching it with silver nitrate, taking care to protect the surrounding skin. Persistent discharge despite treatment suggests a urachal or vitelline remnant.

Option by option

  • A. Surgical excision

    Excision is unnecessary for a small granuloma that responds to cautery.

  • B. Contrast study of the urachus

    Imaging is considered only if discharge persists after treatment, to look for a remnant.

  • C. Oral antibiotics

    Antibiotics are for omphalitis, which has surrounding erythema and induration.

  • D. Cauterisation with silver nitrate (correct)

    Correct. Silver nitrate cauterises the granulation tissue, and the nodule usually heals within days.

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, Cauterisation with silver nitrate. An umbilical granuloma is excess granulation tissue after cord separation.

Why is "Surgical excision" not the answer?

Excision is unnecessary for a small granuloma that responds to cautery.

Why is "Contrast study of the urachus" not the answer?

Imaging is considered only if discharge persists after treatment, to look for a remnant.

Why is "Oral antibiotics" not the answer?

Antibiotics are for omphalitis, which has surrounding erythema and induration.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: umbilical granuloma in Pediatrics. It is treated by touching it with silver nitrate, taking care to protect the surrounding skin. Persistent discharge despite treatment suggests a urachal or vitelline remnant.

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 Neonatology: umbilical granuloma?

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.