Infections: TB meningitis: 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.

Try it

Pediatrics · Infections: TB meningitis

Sample item

A child with tuberculous meningitis has a CSF with raised lymphocytes, high protein, low glucose and hydrocephalus. Which adjunct improves outcome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Corticosteroids

TB meningitis causes basal exudates, hydrocephalus and vasculitis. Adjunctive corticosteroids reduce inflammation and mortality and are tapered over weeks. Treatment is 2HRZE and 10HRE (total 12 months).

Option by option

  • A. Antiepileptic drugs for all

    Antiepileptics are only for seizures.

  • B. Intrathecal antibiotics

    Intrathecal antibiotics are not standard.

  • C. Delaying antitubercular treatment

    Delay worsens outcome.

  • D. Corticosteroids (correct)

    Correct. Steroids reduce mortality and complications.

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.

More Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, Corticosteroids. TB meningitis causes basal exudates, hydrocephalus and vasculitis.

Why is "Antiepileptic drugs for all" not the answer?

Antiepileptics are only for seizures.

Why is "Intrathecal antibiotics" not the answer?

Intrathecal antibiotics are not standard.

Why is "Delaying antitubercular treatment" not the answer?

Delay worsens outcome.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: TB meningitis in Pediatrics. Adjunctive corticosteroids reduce inflammation and mortality and are tapered over weeks. Treatment is 2HRZE and 10HRE (total 12 months).

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Infections: TB meningitis?

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.