Child and adolescent psychiatry: evaluating delayed speech: practice question

A Psychiatry 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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Psychiatry · Child and adolescent psychiatry: evaluating delayed speech

Sample item

A 2-year-old speaks only a few words and does not respond when called, though he plays well and has good eye contact. What should be done first?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Formal hearing assessment

Hearing loss must be excluded in every child with delayed speech, using audiometry or brainstem evoked response audiometry. Early detection prevents long-term language and learning problems.

Option by option

  • A. Start methylphenidate

    Methylphenidate does not treat speech delay.

  • B. Start an antipsychotic

    Antipsychotics have no role in speech delay.

  • C. Reassure with no further action

    Waiting risks missing hearing loss during a critical period.

  • D. Formal hearing assessment (correct)

    Correct. Hearing impairment is a treatable cause that must be excluded first.

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 Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, Formal hearing assessment. Hearing loss must be excluded in every child with delayed speech, using audiometry or brainstem evoked response audiometry.

Why is "Start methylphenidate" not the answer?

Methylphenidate does not treat speech delay.

Why is "Start an antipsychotic" not the answer?

Antipsychotics have no role in speech delay.

Why is "Reassure with no further action" not the answer?

Waiting risks missing hearing loss during a critical period.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Child and adolescent psychiatry: evaluating delayed speech in Psychiatry. Early detection prevents long-term language and learning problems.

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 Child and adolescent psychiatry: evaluating delayed speech?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry 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.