Cardiology: transposition of the great arteries: 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 · Cardiology: transposition of the great arteries

Sample item

A cyanosed term newborn has a single loud S2 and chest X-ray showing a narrow mediastinum with an egg-on-side silhouette and increased pulmonary vascularity. What drug maintains survival until surgery?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Prostaglandin E1

In transposition of the great arteries the circulations run in parallel, and survival depends on mixing at the ductus, foramen ovale or VSD. Prostaglandin E1 keeps the ductus open, and balloon atrial septostomy improves mixing. The arterial switch operation is performed in the first weeks.

Option by option

  • A. Digoxin

    Digoxin does not improve mixing.

  • B. Propranolol

    Propranolol is used for tet spells.

  • C. Indomethacin

    Indomethacin closes the ductus.

  • D. Prostaglandin E1 (correct)

    Correct. Prostaglandin E1 maintains the ductus.

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, Prostaglandin E1. In transposition of the great arteries the circulations run in parallel, and survival depends on mixing at the ductus, foramen ovale or VSD.

Why is "Digoxin" not the answer?

Digoxin does not improve mixing.

Why is "Propranolol" not the answer?

Propranolol is used for tet spells.

Why is "Indomethacin" not the answer?

Indomethacin closes the ductus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiology: transposition of the great arteries in Pediatrics. Prostaglandin E1 keeps the ductus open, and balloon atrial septostomy improves mixing. The arterial switch operation is performed in the first weeks.

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 Cardiology: transposition of the great arteries?

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.