Neonatology: 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

Sample item

A preterm infant on enteral feeds develops abdominal distension, bilious aspirates and bloody stools. Which radiological sign is characteristic of the likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Pneumatosis intestinalis

Prematurity, enteral feeding and bloody stools with distension suggest necrotizing enterocolitis. Intramural gas (pneumatosis intestinalis) on an abdominal film is characteristic, and portal venous gas or free air indicate more severe disease.

Option by option

  • A. Reticulogranular ground-glass lungs

    Ground-glass lungs are the chest film of respiratory distress syndrome.

  • B. Pneumatosis intestinalis (correct)

    Correct. Gas within the bowel wall is the hallmark of necrotizing enterocolitis.

  • C. Double bubble sign

    The double bubble sign is seen in duodenal atresia and presents with early bilious vomiting.

  • D. Whirlpool sign

    The whirlpool sign is seen on ultrasound in midgut volvulus.

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, Pneumatosis intestinalis. Prematurity, enteral feeding and bloody stools with distension suggest necrotizing enterocolitis.

Why is "Reticulogranular ground-glass lungs" not the answer?

Ground-glass lungs are the chest film of respiratory distress syndrome.

Why is "Double bubble sign" not the answer?

The double bubble sign is seen in duodenal atresia and presents with early bilious vomiting.

Why is "Whirlpool sign" not the answer?

The whirlpool sign is seen on ultrasound in midgut volvulus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology in Pediatrics. Intramural gas (pneumatosis intestinalis) on an abdominal film is characteristic, and portal venous gas or free air indicate more severe disease.

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?

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.