Neonatology: neonatal tetanus: 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: neonatal tetanus

Sample item

A 7-day-old baby born at home, who fed well initially, now cannot suck, has jaw stiffness and spasms on touch. Which statement is correct?

AOnset is typically in the first 24 hoursBIt is caused by Gram-negative sepsisCAntibiotics alone are curative without antitoxinDThe disease is prevented by maternal tetanus immunisation

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. The disease is prevented by maternal tetanus immunisation

Neonatal tetanus results from infection of the umbilical stump with Clostridium tetani, with onset at 3 to 14 days and a classical history of initial normal sucking. Maternal immunisation with Td gives transplacental antibody protection, and clean cord care also prevents it. Treatment is human tetanus immunoglobulin, benzodiazepines, metronidazole and supportive care.

Option by option

A. Onset is typically in the first 24 hours
Onset is typically between days 3 and 14.
B. It is caused by Gram-negative sepsis
It is a toxin-mediated disease caused by Clostridium tetani.
C. Antibiotics alone are curative without antitoxin
Antitoxin immunoglobulin and supportive care are essential.
D. The disease is prevented by maternal tetanus immunisation (correct)
Correct. Maternal Td immunisation prevents neonatal tetanus.

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 Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, The disease is prevented by maternal tetanus immunisation. Neonatal tetanus results from infection of the umbilical stump with Clostridium tetani, with onset at 3 to 14 days and a classical history of initial normal sucking.

Why is "Onset is typically in the first 24 hours" not the answer?

Onset is typically between days 3 and 14.

Why is "It is caused by Gram-negative sepsis" not the answer?

It is a toxin-mediated disease caused by Clostridium tetani.

Why is "Antibiotics alone are curative without antitoxin" not the answer?

Antitoxin immunoglobulin and supportive care are essential.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: neonatal tetanus in Pediatrics. Maternal immunisation with Td gives transplacental antibody protection, and clean cord care also prevents it. Treatment is human tetanus immunoglobulin, benzodiazepines, metronidazole and supportive care.

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: neonatal tetanus?

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.