Neonatology: kangaroo mother care: 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: kangaroo mother care

Sample item

A stable 1.6 kg preterm baby is being fed by cup. Which statement about kangaroo mother care (KMC) is correct?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact with exclusive breastfeeding improves survival and growth

KMC is skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, with exclusive breastfeeding, and can be started as soon as the baby is stable, even in the hospital. It reduces hypothermia, sepsis and mortality in low birth weight infants. Continuous KMC for as long as possible each day is advised.

Option by option

  • A. It should be started only after the baby reaches 2.5 kg

    KMC can begin once the baby is stable and need not await 2.5 kg.

  • B. Prolonged skin-to-skin contact with exclusive breastfeeding improves survival and growth (correct)

    Correct. Skin-to-skin contact with breastfeeding improves outcomes.

  • C. It replaces the need for breast milk

    KMC supports breastfeeding and does not replace it.

  • D. It should be given only in the nursery by a nurse

    The mother or another caregiver gives KMC, not only a nurse.

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 B, Prolonged skin-to-skin contact with exclusive breastfeeding improves survival and growth. KMC is skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, with exclusive breastfeeding, and can be started as soon as the baby is stable, even in the hospital.

Why is "It should be started only after the baby reaches 2.5 kg" not the answer?

KMC can begin once the baby is stable and need not await 2.5 kg.

Why is "It replaces the need for breast milk" not the answer?

KMC supports breastfeeding and does not replace it.

Why is "It should be given only in the nursery by a nurse" not the answer?

The mother or another caregiver gives KMC, not only a nurse.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: kangaroo mother care in Pediatrics. It reduces hypothermia, sepsis and mortality in low birth weight infants. Continuous KMC for as long as possible each day is advised.

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: kangaroo mother care?

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.