Renal pathology: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Renal pathology

Sample item

What is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Minimal change disease

Minimal change disease causes most childhood nephrotic syndrome. Light microscopy is normal, electron microscopy shows effacement of podocyte foot processes, and it responds well to steroids. Membranous nephropathy is the common adult cause.

Option by option

  • A. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

    FSGS is important but less common in young children and is steroid-resistant more often.

  • B. Minimal change disease (correct)

    Correct. Normal on light microscopy and steroid-responsive.

  • C. Membranous nephropathy

    Membranous nephropathy is the commonest primary cause in adults.

  • D. IgA nephropathy

    IgA nephropathy usually presents with haematuria after an infection, not heavy proteinuria.

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 Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is B, Minimal change disease. Minimal change disease causes most childhood nephrotic syndrome.

Why is "Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis" not the answer?

FSGS is important but less common in young children and is steroid-resistant more often.

Why is "Membranous nephropathy" not the answer?

Membranous nephropathy is the commonest primary cause in adults.

Why is "IgA nephropathy" not the answer?

IgA nephropathy usually presents with haematuria after an infection, not heavy proteinuria.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Renal pathology in Pathology. Light microscopy is normal, electron microscopy shows effacement of podocyte foot processes, and it responds well to steroids. Membranous nephropathy is the common adult cause.

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 Renal pathology?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.