Infections: meningitis 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 · Infections: meningitis steroids

Sample item

In a child older than 6 weeks with suspected bacterial meningitis, dexamethasone is best given at which time?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Just before or with the first dose of antibiotic

Dexamethasone 0.15 mg/kg every 6 hours for 2 to 4 days reduces hearing loss in Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis, when given before or with the first antibiotic dose. Antibiotic-induced lysis increases inflammation, which steroids blunt. Its benefit in other organisms is less clear.

Option by option

  • A. Several hours after antibiotics

    Late steroids lose the benefit.

  • B. Never

    Steroids are used in selected cases.

  • C. After CSF culture returns

    Waiting for culture delays treatment.

  • D. Just before or with the first dose of antibiotic (correct)

    Correct. Steroids work best with or before antibiotics.

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, Just before or with the first dose of antibiotic. Dexamethasone 0.

Why is "Several hours after antibiotics" not the answer?

Late steroids lose the benefit.

Why is "Never" not the answer?

Steroids are used in selected cases.

Why is "After CSF culture returns" not the answer?

Waiting for culture delays treatment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: meningitis steroids in Pediatrics. 15 mg/kg every 6 hours for 2 to 4 days reduces hearing loss in Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis, when given before or with the first antibiotic dose. Antibiotic-induced lysis increases inflammation, which steroids blunt. Its benefit in other organisms is less clear.

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 Infections: meningitis 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.