Neonatology: thermal 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: thermal care

Sample item

A newborn is found to have an axillary temperature of 36.2 degrees C. According to WHO classification, how is this described?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Mild hypothermia (cold stress)

WHO defines the normal range as 36.5 to 37.5 degrees C. Cold stress or mild hypothermia is 36.0 to 36.4, moderate hypothermia 32.0 to 35.9 and severe hypothermia below 32 degrees C. Mild cases are managed with skin-to-skin contact and warm clothing.

Option by option

  • A. Normal temperature

    Normal is 36.5 to 37.5 degrees C.

  • B. Severe hypothermia

    Severe hypothermia is below 32 degrees C.

  • C. Moderate hypothermia

    Moderate hypothermia is 32.0 to 35.9 degrees C.

  • D. Mild hypothermia (cold stress) (correct)

    Correct. 36.0 to 36.4 degrees C is mild hypothermia.

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, Mild hypothermia (cold stress). WHO defines the normal range as 36.

Why is "Normal temperature" not the answer?

Normal is 36.5 to 37.5 degrees C.

Why is "Severe hypothermia" not the answer?

Severe hypothermia is below 32 degrees C.

Why is "Moderate hypothermia" not the answer?

Moderate hypothermia is 32.0 to 35.9 degrees C.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: thermal care in Pediatrics. 5 to 37.5 degrees C. Cold stress or mild hypothermia is 36.0 to 36.4, moderate hypothermia 32.0 to 35.9 and severe hypothermia below 32 degrees C. Mild cases are managed with skin-to-skin contact and warm clothing.

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: thermal 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.