Infections: neonatal sepsis empirical: 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 · Infections: neonatal sepsis empirical

Sample item

Which statement about empirical therapy of late-onset neonatal sepsis in a hospital setting is most appropriate?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cover Gram-negative organisms and Staphylococcus according to unit antibiogram

Late-onset sepsis, beyond 72 hours, is commonly caused by Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus and other nosocomial Gram-negatives. Empirical choice should follow the local antibiogram, for example a cephalosporin or piperacillin-tazobactam with an aminoglycoside, with vancomycin if MRSA is suspected. Blood culture is taken before the first dose.

Option by option

  • A. Use ampicillin alone

    Ampicillin alone is inadequate for resistant organisms.

  • B. Give no antibiotics until culture results

    Waiting for culture risks death.

  • C. Use oral amoxicillin only

    Oral therapy is inadequate for neonatal sepsis.

  • D. Cover Gram-negative organisms and Staphylococcus according to unit antibiogram (correct)

    Correct. Choice follows hospital resistance data.

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 Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, Cover Gram-negative organisms and Staphylococcus according to unit antibiogram. Late-onset sepsis, beyond 72 hours, is commonly caused by Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus and other nosocomial Gram-negatives.

Why is "Use ampicillin alone" not the answer?

Ampicillin alone is inadequate for resistant organisms.

Why is "Give no antibiotics until culture results" not the answer?

Waiting for culture risks death.

Why is "Use oral amoxicillin only" not the answer?

Oral therapy is inadequate for neonatal sepsis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: neonatal sepsis empirical in Pediatrics. Empirical choice should follow the local antibiogram, for example a cephalosporin or piperacillin-tazobactam with an aminoglycoside, with vancomycin if MRSA is suspected. Blood culture is taken before the first dose.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Infections: neonatal sepsis empirical?

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.