Pediatrics MCQ I

1. Question

Which of the following statements about pediatric apnea is incorrect?

Unexplained cessation of breathing of 10-15 seconds.
Meningitis is a known cause.
A pause in breathing associated with cyanosis, bradycardia, and pallor.
There may be obstruction of the airway.

2. Question

Breast feeding is enhanced by which of the following?

A hungry infant.
Mother lying down to feed the baby.
The presence of unfamiliar visitors to a shy primipara.
Mother sitting on a high stool with her feet hanging above the ground.

3. Question

Neonatal diarrhea: Which of the statements below is correct?

It may be caused by organisms spread by medical and nursing personnel.
It is characteristically of abrupt onset.
It hardly leads to dehydration.
It is uncommonly accompanied by vomiting.

4. Question

Which of the following statements about encephalitis is correct?

Viruses are important etiological agents.
Autopsy conclusively determines the cause of encephalitis.
Patients do not have urinary incontinence.
Encephalitis caused by rabies affects the whole brain.

5. Question

Which of the following statements about malaria in pediatric patients is correct?

Lymphadenopathy is a feature of acute, uncomplicated malaria.
Cough is a typical symptom of acute, uncomplicated malaria.
There is reduction in susceptibility to bacterial infections.
In endemic areas performing a parasite-based test is advisable in children with fever.

6. Question

Rickets: Which of the statements below is correct?

It may result from inadequate exposure to infra-red radiation.
It is synonymous with osteomalacia.
It occurs after fusion of the epiphyses.
It may be due to calcium or phosphate deficiency.

7. Question

Which of the following is an appropriate drug-adverse reaction relationship in premature babies?

Morphine – Hypertension.
Phenobarbital – Rebound hyperactivity.
Chloramphenicol – Kernicterus.
Cotrimoxazole – Jaundice.

8. Question

Which of the following reflexes is not associated with breast feeding?

Rooting reflex.
Moro reflex.
Sucking reflex.
Swallowing reflex.

9. Question

Transplacentally-acquired pneumonia is not due to which of the following?

Toxoplasma gondii.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Cytomegalovirus.
Rubella virus.

10. Question

Management of encephalitis does not involve which of the following?

Close monitoring, preferably in an intensive care unit.
Monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Prevention or treatment of convulsions.
Use of intravenous fluids a contraindication.

11. Question

Which of the following statements about management of malaria is correct?

An unconscious febrile child should have a urethral catheter inserted.
Artemether-lumefantrine combination is a preferred drug for uncomplicated malaria.
Chemoprophylaxis is not recommended for immunodeficient children.
Artesunate plus mefloquine should not be used for young children.

12. Question

Urinary tract infection: Which of the statements below is incorrect?

It is usually caused by enteric bacteria.
In the neonatal period, it is usually an ascending infection.
It is enhanced by stasis of urine in the bladder.
It includes pyelonephritis and cystitis.

13. Question

Post-term infants: Which of the statements below is correct?

They are usually distinguishable from term infants at birth.
They are those born between 40 and 42 weeks gestation (from the LMP).
They are not synonymous with post-mature infants.
They are larger than term infants.

14. Question

Which of the following is expected in neonates?

Satisfactory sucking on the day of birth.
Poor breastfeeding at the age of one week.
Emptying the breast in 10–30 minutes of sucking.
Satisfactory sucking by infants born to mothers who had sedation during labor.

15. Question

Congenital pneumonia presents as which of the following?

Premature labor.
Prolonged rupture of the membranes.
Prolonged labor.
Respiratory rate >60 cycles per minute.

16. Question

Which of the following is not a cause of fever of unknown origin?

Lymphomas.
Myxedema.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Intraabdominal abscess.

17. Question

Characteristics of Salmonellae do not include which of the following?

Gram-negative bacilli.
Spore-forming.
Flagellae (H) antigens.
Cell wall (O) antigens.

18. Question

Which of the following is not a cause of hematuria in children?

Sickle cell disease.
Acute glomerulonephritis.
Neuroblastoma.
Paragonimiasis.

19. Question

Post-term, post-mature infants are expected to have?

Long nails.
Excess lanugo.
Abundant vernix caseosa.
Scanty hair on the scalp.

20. Question

Which of the following is an indicator of satisfactory milk intake by a breast-fed infant?

Fretful baby after breastfeeding.
Progressive weight gain.
Baby waking up crying after 15 minutes sleep.
Breastfeeding the baby every hour.

21. Question

Features of neonatal pneumonia do not include which of the following?

Hypothermia.
Irritability.
Increased appetite.
Respiratory distress.

22. Question

Which of the following is correct of acute osteomyelitis?

Fever is pathognomonic.
A normal white blood cell count precludes the diagnosis.
Staphylococci are uncommon causes.
The initial site is usually the metaphysis.

23. Question

Salmonella gastroenteritis: Which of the statements below is correct?

It is influenced by the “O” antigens.
It is a food- and water-borne disease.
It has an incubation period of four days.
It is a subacute infection.

24. Question

Which of the following statements about sickle cell disease is correct?

It is synonymous with sickle cell anemia.
The sickle hemoglobin molecule has the property of polymerizing when deoxygenated.
The life span of erythrocytes having sickle hemoglobin is approximately 120 days.
Vaso-occlusion results in anemia.

25. Question

Large-for-gestational-age infants: Which of the statements below is correct?

They are unlikely to be born to diabetic mothers.
They are prone to clavicular fractures during birth.
They are unlikely to be retarded intellectually.
They must be delivered by cesarean section.

26. Question

Which of the following statements about colostrum is correct?

It is secreted in the first four days of life.
It is off-white in color.
It has less protein than mature breast milk.
It has more minerals and has a higher specific gravity than breast milk.

27. Question

Urinary tract infection in the neonatal period: Which of the statements below is correct?

It is commoner in females than males.
It is usually an ascending infection.
It is rarely caused by Escherichia coli.
It should be confirmed by a positive culture.

28. Question

Acute osteomyelitis: Which of the statements below is correct?

It affects short bones more than long bones.
It should be suspected in a child with a limp without established trauma.
It presents with virtually no tenderness of the affected bone.
Its patients are unlikely to have a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

29. Question

Cholera: Which of the statements below is correct?

It is caused by a fusiform bacterium.
It is a chronic intestinal disease.
It is directly caused by enterotoxin elaborated by a Gram-negative bacillus.
It is caused by the known biotypes of the causative bacterium.

30. Question

Features of sickle cell anemia include which of the following?

Clinical manifestations from the sixth week of life.
Hemoglobin concentration usually exceeding 9g/dL.
Crises which may be precipitated by malaria.
Hand-foot syndrome in teenagers.

31. Question

Features of disease in the neonate do not include which of the following?

Hypothermia.
Convulsions.
Lethargy.
Jaundice on day 3 of life.

32. Question

When compared with cow’s milk, human breast milk contains which of the following?

More protein.
Less carbohydrate.
More olein.
Less water.

33. Question

Neonatal osteomyelitis: Which of the statements below is correct?

It is usually due to hematogenous spread of infection.
It is commonly caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
It should be treated with oral antibiotics for two weeks.
It is uncommonly associated with septic arthritis.

34. Question

Which of the following statements is correct of acute osteomyelitis?

Blood culture is an unnecessary investigation.
White blood cell counts should not be ordered as the result may be normal.
Treatment with antibiotics should be by mouth and should last for two weeks.
Antibiotic therapy should be commenced while culture and sensitivity results are awaited.

35. Question

Which of the following statements about cholera is correct?

The incubation period is 7–10 days.
The onset is usually insidious.
Severe abdominal and limb cramps are features as the illness progresses.
Tenesmus is a prominent feature.

36. Question

Which of the following is a feature of non-pathologic proteinuria?

Urinary protein output of 120mg/day.
There is edema.
It may be exercise-induced.
It is unlikely in the erect position.

37. Question

The breast-fed infant: Which of the statements below is incorrect?

Atopic dermatitis is uncommon.
Diarrhea is less than in the formula-fed infant.
Stool occult blood is a usual finding.
Milk intolerance is unusual.

38. Question

Features of neonatal infection do not include which of the following?

Hypothermia.
Lethargy.
Excessive demand for feeds.
Fever.

39. Question

In neonatal meningitis which of the statements below is correct?

Culture and antibiotic sensitivity should not be carried out on blood.
Cerebrospinal fluid protein level is low.
Gram-staining of cerebrospinal fluid sample may give a clue to initial antibiotic therapy.
Hypoglycorrhachia should be interpreted without simultaneous plasma glucose estimation.

40. Question

Osteomyelitis: Which of the statements below is incorrect?

Sequestrum is a feature of the acute infection.
Inadequate antibiotic therapy may lead to chronic infection.
Oral antibiotic therapy may be commenced in a child who has responded favorably to two weeks of intravenous therapy.
A normalizing erythrocyte sedimentation rate is one of the indicators of clinical recovery.

41. Question

Features of severe cholera include which of the following?

Vomiting preceding onset of diarrhea.
Effortless diarrhea.
Fast, thready pulse.
Bulging anterior fontanel.

42. Question

Which of the following is not a usual feature of nephrotic syndrome?

Hypoproteinemia.
Hematuria.
Proteinuria.
Generalized edema.

43. Question

Which of the following features is incorrect about a normal full-term newborn infant?

Birth weight of 2.0kg.
Head circumference of 35cm.
Length of 52cm.
Relatively short and straight external ear canals.

44. Question

Constituents of breast milk do not include which of the following?

Complement.
Macrophages.
Lactoferrin.
High levels of fluoride.

45. Question

Predisposing factors to neonatal infections do not include which of the following?

Delivery one week to the expected date of delivery.
Low birth weight.
Resuscitation with endotracheal intubation.
Prematurity.

46. Question

Which of the following organisms does not produce toxins responsible for diarrhea?

Entamoeba histolytica.
Vibrio cholerae.
Salmonella.
Staphylococcus aureus.

47. Question

Streptococcal infections do not include which of the following?

Impetigo.
Cellulitis.
Chronic leg ulcer.
Vaginitis.

48. Question

Which of the following statements about cholera is correct?

Mild disease is dissimilar to rotavirus diarrhea.
Stool culture is useless as the disease is caused by an exotoxin.
Urine output should be monitored especially in severe cases.
Tetracycline should not be given to children with severe disease.

49. Question

Enteroviruses include which of the following?

Rhinoviruses.
Flaviviruses.
Coxsackieviruses.
Herpes viruses.

50. Question

In the normal newborn infant which of the following is expected?

Non-palpable liver.
Fully-developed paranasal sinuses.
Yellowish stools on the first day of life.
Five stools in a day in a breast-fed one-week-old baby.

51. Question

In breast-fed infants which of the following is expected?

Inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli in the intestines.
Coliform bacteria in stools.
Survival of Entamoeba histolytica in the gut.
Susceptibility to mumps and influenza.

52. Question

Transplacentally-acquired infections do not include which of the following?

Malaria.
Syphilis.
Conjunctivitis.
Toxoplasmosis.

53. Question

Diarrhea does not refer to an increase in which of the following?

Volume of feces.
Fluidity of feces.
Intensity of associated abdominal pain.
Frequency of defecation.

54. Question

Direct extension of nasopharyngeal streptococcal infections should not result in which of the following?

Mastoiditis.
Bronchopneumonia.
Meningitis.
Otitis media.

55. Question

Which of the following statements about meningitis is incorrect?

In the neonatal period the commonest etiological agent is the meningococcus.
A nine-month-old child with meningitis is likely infected by Haemophilus influenzae.
Vomiting and neck stiffness are clinical features in meningitis.
Restlessness and refusal of feeds are known features of neonatal meningitis.

56. Question

Which of the following statements about germ cell tumors is incorrect?

The sacrococcygeal area is an uncommon site.
Immature teratomas arise from the ovaries.
Choriocarcinoma is an extraembryonic tumor.
While seminomas arise from the testis, dysgerminomas arise from the ovaries.

57. Question

In a one-week-old baby which of the following is correct?

Proteinuria may be a normal finding. A hemoglobin level of 17g/dL is abnormal. A white blood cell count of 12,000/microliter (12.0 x 109/L) is high. T-lymphocytes function optimally. Answer A In a one-week old neonate hemoglobin concentration of 17g/dL and WBC of 12.0 x 109/L are normal. At this age the T-lymphocytes function sub-optimally; ABO antibodies are adequately present in blood from the second month.
A hemoglobin level of 17g/dL is abnormal.
A white blood cell count of 12,000/microliter (12.0 x 109/L) is high.
T-lymphocytes function optimally.

58. Question

Breastfeeding: Which of the statements below is correct?

It is the most currently recommended mode of feeding for most babies.
It is readily available to every baby at birth.
It is unable to supply the baby’s needs in the first three months of life.
It should not be practiced exclusively beyond six months.

59. Question

Which of the following does not result from congenital infections?

Stillbirth.
Abortion.
Intrauterine growth restriction.
Post-term delivery.

60. Question

Which of the following is not accompanied by diarrhea?

Neuroblastoma.
Nephroblastoma.
Pneumonia.
Acute otitis media.

61. Question

Early complications of streptococcal infections include which of the following?

Retropharyngeal abscess.
Glomerulonephritis.
Rheumatic heart disease.
Acute tonsillitis.

62. Question

Clostridium tetani: Which of the statements below is correct?

It is an aerobic, spore-forming bacterium.
It produces an endotoxin which is responsible for tetanus.
It is encapsulated and non-motile.
Contaminating the umbilical cord, it is a cause of neonatal tetanus.

63. Question

In the first week of life: Which of the statements below is correct about a normal infant delivered at full term?

It is unable to see.
It does not enjoy bonding with the mother.
It is attracted to human faces.
It does not respond to human voices.

64. Question

It is incorrect that breastfeeding is contraindicated in which of the following?

Concurrent pregnancy.
Septicemia.
Puerperal psychosis.
Open tuberculosis.

65. Question

Which of the following specimen is not usually taken from a neonate suspected to have infection?

Urine.
Skin snip.
Cerebrospinal fluid.
Umbilical swab.

66. Question

Childhood diarrhea is unlikely to be caused by which of the following viruses?

Rotavirus.
Adenovirus.
Echovirus.
Herpes virus.

67. Question

Staphylococci do not cause which of the following?

Carbuncles.
Food poisoning.
Endocarditis.
Vincent’s angina.

68. Question

Which of the following statements about neonatal tetanus is correct?

Vegetative forms of Clostridium enter the portal of entry producing tetanospasmin.
The portal of entry is not always identifiable at the time of presentation with tetanus.
The diagnosis cannot be made on clinical grounds.
Penicillin G is not necessary in the management of tetanus.

69. Question

A premature infant: Which of the statements below is correct?

Born at 30 weeks in a rural hospital, it should be referred for a pediatrician’s care.
With a birth weight of 2.4kg, it is not expected to have a good muscle tone.
It is one delivered before 38 weeks from the beginning of the last menstrual period.
It is synonymous with a low birth weight infant.

70. Question

Maternal hindrances to proper breastfeeding do not include which of the following?

Inadequate rest.
Chronic ill-health.
Poor nutritional status.
Delivery of twins.

71. Question

Which of the following is a correct association?

Malaria – Microcephaly.
Toxoplasmosis – Congenital heart disease.
Mumps – Abortion.
Hepatitis – Cataracts.

72. Question

History taken from the informant of a child with diarrhea is not strongly indicative of Rotavirus infection in which of the following?

Vomiting and fever.
Frequent watery stools.
Passage of bloody and mucoid stools.
Lethargy.

73. Question

Haemophilus influenzae: Which of the statements below is correct?

It is a Gram-positive coccobacillus.
It is an unlikely cause of meningitis.
Infections should be treated with gentamycin.
Infections are adequately treated with cephalosporins.

74. Question

Which of the following statements concerning diphtheria is correct?

The causative bacterium is a Gram-positive, motile, spore-forming bacillus.
Poor hygienic conditions enhance its spread.
The disease is directly the effect of the bacteria.
Immunization is not an effective means of preventing diphtheria.

75. Question

Prematurity is not associated with which of the following?

Cervical incompetence.
Maternal obesity.
Polyhydramnios.
Pre-eclampsia.

76. Question

In a lactating mother, care of the breast involves which of the following?

Breast support using a well-fitting brazier.
Exposing the nipples to wetness.
Frequent washing of the nipples with soap.
Cleaning the nipple with methylated spirit.

77. Question

Microcephaly does not result from infection by which of the following microorganisms?

Toxoplasma gondii.
Cytomegalovirus.
Varicella-zoster virus.
Rubella virus.

78. Question

In a primary or comprehensive health center, stools of a diarrheal child are unlikely to be examined for which of the following?

Consistency.
Viruses.
Presence of mucus.
Presence of white blood cells.

79. Question

Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Which of the statements below is correct?

It is a Gram-negative bacillus.
It is readily cultured in-vitro.
Infection in a three-year-old child is likely to be through contact with adults.
It commonly causes endocarditis.

80. Question

Which of the following statements about septic arthritis is correct?

Hematogenous spread of bacteria is an unlikely mode of acquiring the infection.
Raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and white blood cell counts are not expected.
Joint aspirate culture and sensitivity studies are superfluous.
A septic hip should be drained of the fluid.

81. Question

Which of the following conditions is unlikely to lead to intrauterine growth restriction?

Anemia at 37 weeks gestation.
Maternal sickle cell anemia.
Maternal essential hypertension.
Pregnancy in a malnourished woman.

82. Question

Which of the following statements about breastfeeding is correct?

The baby should not be breast-fed until 12 hours after delivery.
Complete emptying of the breasts encourages secretion of milk.
Frequent breastfeeding may predispose to breast engorgement.
Newborn infants should be fed hourly during the night.

83. Question

Features of rubella do not include which of the following?

Congenital cataracts.
Deafness.
Myopia.
Autism.

84. Question

Which of the following laboratory investigations is not required for diagnosis and management of diarrhea in a two-year-old child?

Fecal occult blood.
Stool pH.
Stool culture.
Serological test.

85. Question

Features of gonorrhea do not include which of the following?

Dysuria.
Vulval excoriation.
Vaginal discharge.
Mucoid urethral discharge.

86. Question

Which of the following statements about pediatric malnutrition is incorrect?

It may result from poverty leading to parents not supplying the child with enough food.
Ignorance may make parents withhold essential nutrients from children.
Malabsorption is a cause of malnutrition in developing countries.
Family disharmony is unlikely to play a part in a child’s malnutrition.

87. Question

Neonatal risks of the premature infant include which of the following?

Hypercalcemia.
Hypobilirubinemia.
Hyperthermia.
Septicemia.

88. Question

There is no danger to a baby when which of the following drugs is given at a therapeutic dose to a lactating mother?

Chloramphenicol
Acetaminophen.
Cimetidine.
Chlorpheniramine.

89. Question

Neonatal staphylococcal infections: Which of the statements below is correct?

They are unlikely to be transmitted by medical personnel.
They may result in skin exfoliation.
They uncommonly present as septicemia.
They should be treated vigorously with local antibiotics only.

90. Question

Encephalitits: Which of the statements below is correct?

It is synonymous with encephalopathy.
It is uncommonly caused by arboviruses.
It is unlikely to be caused by enteroviruses.
It involves direct invasion of neuronal tissue by viruses.

91. Question

Which of the following is correct of gonococcal infections?

Prompt and adequate treatment usually prevents complications.
They are usually resistant to penicillins.
Chloramphenicol eye drops are the recommended treatment for neonatal gonococcal ophthalmitis.
A male child with gonorrhea does not stand the risk of having urethral stricture later in life.

92. Question

Which of the following statements about malnutrition is incorrect?

Obesity is not classified under malnutrition.
Undernutrition is a form of malnutrition.
Inadequacy of vitamins is a category of malnutrition.
Avitaminosis is classified as malnutrition.

93. Question

The intrauterine growth-restricted infant is not prone to which of the following during the neonatal period?

Asphyxia.
Hypoglycemia.
Severe anemia.
Necrotizing enterocolitis.

94. Question

Breast milk does not contain which of the following drugs if taken by the mother?

Barbiturates.
Ethanol.
Heparin
Acetylsalicylic acid.

95. Question

Neonatal otitis media: Which of the statements below is incorrect?

It may present with non-specific symptoms and signs.
It may present without symptoms.
It is easy to diagnose as the tympanic membrane is dull on examination.
It may progress to a chronic disease if not adequately treated.

96. Question

Features of encephalitis include which of the following?

Fever.
Vomiting.
Neck stiffness.
Absence of seizures.

97. Question

Malaria in pediatric patients: Which of the statements below is correct?

Rosettes are the result of adherence of infected red blood cells to one another.
In cerebral malaria there is selective increase in the production of vascular and intracellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) in the brain.
Plasmodium falciparum has the longest incubation period among plasmodia.
Vomiting without diarrhea is pathognomonic of acute uncomplicated malaria.

98. Question

With respect to malnutrition which of the following statements is incorrect?

Low height-for-weight is wasting.
Underweight is low weight-for-age.
Low height-for-age is referred to as stunting.
Micronutrient excess is a form of micronutrient-related malnutrition.