Neonatology: seizures: 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: seizures

Sample item

A term baby has seizures on day 2 after a difficult delivery with Apgar 3 at 1 minute. Glucose and calcium are normal. What is the first-line anticonvulsant?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Phenobarbitone 20 mg/kg IV

Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy is the commonest cause of neonatal seizures in the first 3 days. Phenobarbitone loading at 20 mg/kg is the first-line drug, with phenytoin or levetiracetam as second line. Metabolic causes should be corrected first.

Option by option

  • A. Carbamazepine

    Carbamazepine is not available intravenously and is not used.

  • B. Phenobarbitone 20 mg/kg IV (correct)

    Correct. Phenobarbitone is first line for neonatal seizures.

  • C. Sodium valproate

    Valproate is not used for neonatal seizures.

  • D. Phenytoin 20 mg/kg

    Phenytoin is second line.

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 B, Phenobarbitone 20 mg/kg IV. Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy is the commonest cause of neonatal seizures in the first 3 days.

Why is "Carbamazepine" not the answer?

Carbamazepine is not available intravenously and is not used.

Why is "Sodium valproate" not the answer?

Valproate is not used for neonatal seizures.

Why is "Phenytoin 20 mg/kg" not the answer?

Phenytoin is second line.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: seizures in Pediatrics. Phenobarbitone loading at 20 mg/kg is the first-line drug, with phenytoin or levetiracetam as second line. Metabolic causes should be corrected first.

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: seizures?

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.