Reproduction: antenatal corticosteroids: practice question

A Physiology 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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Physiology · Reproduction: antenatal corticosteroids

Sample item

A woman at 30 weeks with threatened preterm labour is given betamethasone. Which fetal effect is intended?

AInduction of surfactant synthesis by type II pneumocytes and lung maturationBReduction of neonatal jaundiceCClosure of the ductus arteriosusDSuppression of fetal urine output

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Induction of surfactant synthesis by type II pneumocytes and lung maturation

Glucocorticoids accelerate fetal lung maturation by inducing surfactant synthesis in type II pneumocytes and structural changes in the lung. Giving them to the mother before preterm delivery reduces the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Option by option

A. Induction of surfactant synthesis by type II pneumocytes and lung maturation (correct)
Correct. Glucocorticoids induce surfactant and mature the lung, reducing respiratory distress.
B. Reduction of neonatal jaundice
Jaundice is not the target of antenatal steroids.
C. Closure of the ductus arteriosus
Ductal closure after birth is mediated by oxygen and falling prostaglandins, not antenatal steroids.
D. Suppression of fetal urine output
Antenatal steroids are not given to alter fetal urine output.

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 Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, Induction of surfactant synthesis by type II pneumocytes and lung maturation. Glucocorticoids accelerate fetal lung maturation by inducing surfactant synthesis in type II pneumocytes and structural changes in the lung.

Why is "Reduction of neonatal jaundice" not the answer?

Jaundice is not the target of antenatal steroids.

Why is "Closure of the ductus arteriosus" not the answer?

Ductal closure after birth is mediated by oxygen and falling prostaglandins, not antenatal steroids.

Why is "Suppression of fetal urine output" not the answer?

Antenatal steroids are not given to alter fetal urine output.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Reproduction: antenatal corticosteroids in Physiology. Giving them to the mother before preterm delivery reduces the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

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 Reproduction: antenatal corticosteroids?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology 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.