Neonatology: antenatal steroids: 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: antenatal steroids

Sample item

A woman at 30 weeks of gestation is in preterm labour. Which antenatal intervention most reduces neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Antenatal corticosteroids such as betamethasone or dexamethasone

A course of antenatal corticosteroids to the mother accelerates fetal lung maturation and surfactant synthesis. It also lowers the risk of intraventricular haemorrhage and necrotising enterocolitis. Magnesium sulphate is given for fetal neuroprotection.

Option by option

  • A. Prophylactic antibiotics

    Antibiotics are used in preterm rupture of membranes, and they do not mature the lungs.

  • B. Antenatal corticosteroids such as betamethasone or dexamethasone (correct)

    Correct. Steroids promote lung maturity and reduce RDS.

  • C. Oxytocin augmentation

    Oxytocin would only hasten delivery.

  • D. Magnesium sulphate

    Magnesium sulphate gives neuroprotection against cerebral palsy.

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, Antenatal corticosteroids such as betamethasone or dexamethasone. A course of antenatal corticosteroids to the mother accelerates fetal lung maturation and surfactant synthesis.

Why is "Prophylactic antibiotics" not the answer?

Antibiotics are used in preterm rupture of membranes, and they do not mature the lungs.

Why is "Oxytocin augmentation" not the answer?

Oxytocin would only hasten delivery.

Why is "Magnesium sulphate" not the answer?

Magnesium sulphate gives neuroprotection against cerebral palsy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: antenatal steroids in Pediatrics. It also lowers the risk of intraventricular haemorrhage and necrotising enterocolitis. Magnesium sulphate is given for fetal neuroprotection.

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: antenatal steroids?

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.