Systemic paediatrics: intussusception reduction: 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 · Systemic paediatrics: intussusception reduction

Sample item

A haemodynamically stable 7-month-old has ultrasound-proven ileocolic intussusception. Which clinical finding would make non-operative reduction by air enema contraindicated?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Peritonitis or free air in the abdomen

Image-guided air or saline enema reduction is first-line in a stable child, but peritonitis, perforation or shock mandate surgery. A mass or vomiting is part of the usual presentation. Perforation risk is small with controlled air pressure.

Option by option

  • A. Symptoms for 6 hours

    A short duration of symptoms favours successful reduction.

  • B. Peritonitis or free air in the abdomen (correct)

    Correct. Peritonitis and perforation require surgery rather than enema reduction.

  • C. Presence of a palpable mass

    A palpable mass is a usual finding and does not preclude reduction.

  • D. Vomiting

    Vomiting is part of the usual picture and is not a contraindication.

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 B, Peritonitis or free air in the abdomen. Image-guided air or saline enema reduction is first-line in a stable child, but peritonitis, perforation or shock mandate surgery.

Why is "Symptoms for 6 hours" not the answer?

A short duration of symptoms favours successful reduction.

Why is "Presence of a palpable mass" not the answer?

A palpable mass is a usual finding and does not preclude reduction.

Why is "Vomiting" not the answer?

Vomiting is part of the usual picture and is not a contraindication.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Systemic paediatrics: intussusception reduction in Pediatrics. A mass or vomiting is part of the usual presentation. Perforation risk is small with controlled air pressure.

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 Systemic paediatrics: intussusception reduction?

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.