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.

Try it

Pediatrics · Development

Sample item

Which developmental finding is a red flag at 18 months?

ANo meaningful single wordsBPointing to request objectsCPlaying simple pretend gamesDRunning with occasional falls

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. No meaningful single words

Absence of meaningful words by 18 months can indicate language delay, hearing impairment, or neurodevelopmental disorder and merits developmental assessment.

Option by option

A. No meaningful single words (correct)
Correct: absent meaningful language at this age needs evaluation.
B. Pointing to request objects
Pointing is an important social communication skill.
C. Playing simple pretend games
Simple pretend play is age-appropriate.
D. Running with occasional falls
Early running with falls can be normal.

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.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is A, No meaningful single words. Absence of meaningful words by 18 months can indicate language delay, hearing impairment, or neurodevelopmental disorder and merits developmental assessment.

Why is "Pointing to request objects" not the answer?

Pointing is an important social communication skill.

Why is "Playing simple pretend games" not the answer?

Simple pretend play is age-appropriate.

Why is "Running with occasional falls" not the answer?

Early running with falls can be normal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Development in Pediatrics. The correct option holds because: Correct: absent meaningful language at this age needs evaluation.

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 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.