Labour: antenatal magnesium sulphate for neuroprotection: practice question

A OBG 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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OBG · Labour: antenatal magnesium sulphate for neuroprotection

Sample item

In a woman in preterm labour at 29 weeks, magnesium sulphate given before delivery reduces which neonatal outcome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Cerebral palsy

Antenatal magnesium sulphate given when delivery is expected before 32 weeks reduces the risk of cerebral palsy and gross motor dysfunction in survivors. Antenatal corticosteroids reduce respiratory distress, and antibiotics reduce infection. Monitoring for maternal toxicity is needed.

Option by option

  • A. Cerebral palsy (correct)

    Correct. Magnesium has a neuroprotective effect.

  • B. Neonatal sepsis

    Magnesium does not prevent neonatal sepsis.

  • C. Necrotising enterocolitis

    Magnesium has no proven effect on NEC.

  • D. Respiratory distress syndrome

    Steroids, not magnesium, reduce RDS.

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 OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is A, Cerebral palsy. Antenatal magnesium sulphate given when delivery is expected before 32 weeks reduces the risk of cerebral palsy and gross motor dysfunction in survivors.

Why is "Neonatal sepsis" not the answer?

Magnesium does not prevent neonatal sepsis.

Why is "Necrotising enterocolitis" not the answer?

Magnesium has no proven effect on NEC.

Why is "Respiratory distress syndrome" not the answer?

Steroids, not magnesium, reduce RDS.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: antenatal magnesium sulphate for neuroprotection in OBG. Antenatal corticosteroids reduce respiratory distress, and antibiotics reduce infection. Monitoring for maternal toxicity is needed.

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 Labour: antenatal magnesium sulphate for neuroprotection?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG 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.