Neonatology: 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 · Neonatology

Sample item

A newborn becomes visibly jaundiced in the first 24 hours of life. What is the most likely cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Haemolytic disease of the newborn

Jaundice within 24 hours is never physiological. Think haemolysis first: ABO or Rh incompatibility, or G6PD deficiency. Physiological jaundice appears after 24 hours, peaks at day 3–5 and fades.

Option by option

  • A. Biliary atresia

    Biliary atresia causes conjugated jaundice that appears later and persists.

  • B. Breast-milk jaundice

    Breast-milk jaundice appears in the second week.

  • C. Haemolytic disease of the newborn (correct)

    Correct.

  • D. Physiological jaundice

    Physiological jaundice starts after 24 hours.

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 Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Haemolytic disease of the newborn. Jaundice within 24 hours is never physiological.

Why is "Biliary atresia" not the answer?

Biliary atresia causes conjugated jaundice that appears later and persists.

Why is "Breast-milk jaundice" not the answer?

Breast-milk jaundice appears in the second week.

Why is "Physiological jaundice" not the answer?

Physiological jaundice starts after 24 hours.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology in Pediatrics. Think haemolysis first: ABO or Rh incompatibility, or G6PD deficiency. Physiological jaundice appears after 24 hours, peaks at day 3–5 and fades.

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 Neonatology?

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.