Communicable diseases: congenital rubella syndrome: practice question

A PSM 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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PSM · Communicable diseases: congenital rubella syndrome

Sample item

An infant has cataract, patent ductus arteriosus and sensorineural deafness. The mother had a mild rash with fever in her first trimester. Which is the cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Congenital rubella infection

Cataract, patent ductus arteriosus and sensorineural deafness are the classic triad of congenital rubella syndrome after maternal infection in early pregnancy. Rubella vaccination of girls and women, as in measles-rubella vaccine, aims to prevent it.

Option by option

  • A. Congenital rubella infection (correct)

    Correct. This triad is typical of congenital rubella.

  • B. Neonatal herpes

    Neonatal herpes causes vesicles and encephalitis in the newborn.

  • C. Congenital syphilis

    Congenital syphilis gives snuffles, rash and bone changes.

  • D. Congenital toxoplasmosis

    Toxoplasmosis gives chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus and intracranial calcification.

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 PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is A, Congenital rubella infection. Cataract, patent ductus arteriosus and sensorineural deafness are the classic triad of congenital rubella syndrome after maternal infection in early pregnancy.

Why is "Neonatal herpes" not the answer?

Neonatal herpes causes vesicles and encephalitis in the newborn.

Why is "Congenital syphilis" not the answer?

Congenital syphilis gives snuffles, rash and bone changes.

Why is "Congenital toxoplasmosis" not the answer?

Toxoplasmosis gives chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus and intracranial calcification.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Communicable diseases: congenital rubella syndrome in PSM. Rubella vaccination of girls and women, as in measles-rubella vaccine, aims to prevent it.

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 Communicable diseases: congenital rubella syndrome?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM 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.