Growth and development: 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 · Growth and development

Sample item

At a 4-month visit an infant's head circumference is on the 90th percentile, and the baby is feeding, developing and examining normally. Which approach is best?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Plot serial measurements on a growth chart and assess the trend across visits

A single head circumference is of limited value. The pattern over time, relative to parental head size and to the infant's weight and length, shows whether growth is proportionate. Crossing percentile lines upward with other signs prompts investigation.

Option by option

  • A. Plot serial measurements on a growth chart and assess the trend across visits (correct)

    Correct. Trajectory over serial visits is more informative than one isolated number.

  • B. Arrange urgent neuroimaging because the value is above the 50th percentile

    Being above the median is common and does not alone justify imaging.

  • C. Accept the single value as conclusive and stop measuring

    A single reading cannot confirm that growth is normal over time.

  • D. Compare the value with adult reference ranges

    Adult ranges are irrelevant for infant growth monitoring.

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 A, Plot serial measurements on a growth chart and assess the trend across visits. A single head circumference is of limited value.

Why is "Arrange urgent neuroimaging because the value is above the 50th perce…" not the answer?

Being above the median is common and does not alone justify imaging.

Why is "Accept the single value as conclusive and stop measuring" not the answer?

A single reading cannot confirm that growth is normal over time.

Why is "Compare the value with adult reference ranges" not the answer?

Adult ranges are irrelevant for infant growth monitoring.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Growth and development in Pediatrics. The pattern over time, relative to parental head size and to the infant's weight and length, shows whether growth is proportionate. Crossing percentile lines upward with other signs prompts investigation.

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 Growth and development?

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.