Past Exam Questions

Question 1

Give three clinical findings which, if present, would make you suspect a serious bacterial
infection?

Answer 1

1. Meningeal signs (neck stiffness, photophobia, bulging fontanelle)
2. Petechial or purpuric rash (indicative of meningococcemia)
3. Signs of septic shock (hypotension, prolonged capillary refill, altered mental state)

Question 2

What are the components of a thorough ‘septic screen’?

Answer 2

1. Blood cultures
2. Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
3. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
4. Urine culture
5. Lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
6. Chest X-ray if respiratory symptoms are present

Question 3

Which intervertebral space is recommended for a LP in a child?

Answer 3

Between L3 and L4 or L4 and L5.

Question 4

Contraindications to lumbar puncture?

Answer 4

1. Signs of raised intracranial pressure (e.g., papilledema, focal neurological signs)
2. Coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia
3. Localized infection at the puncture site
4. Hemodynamic instability

Question 5

Reasons for failure to thrive?

Answer 5

1. Inadequate caloric intake (e.g., feeding difficulties, neglect)
2. Chronic infections (e.g., urinary tract infection)
3. Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux)
4. Metabolic disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism)
5. Congenital heart disease

Question 6

Complications of obesity?

Answer 6

1. Type 2 diabetes
2. Hypertension
3. Hyperlipidemia
4. Orthopedic problems
5. Psychological issues (e.g., low self-esteem, depression)

Question 7

Weight loss stratgeies?

Answer 7

1. Dietary modifications (balanced diet, reduced sugar intake)
2. Regular physical activity (at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily)
3. Behavioral therapy (setting realistic goals, family involvement)
4. Monitoring and regular follow-up with healthcare provider

Question 8

Conditions leading to low percentile development?

Answer 8

1. Endocrine disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency)
2. Genetic syndromes (e.g., Prader-Willi syndrome)
3. Chronic illness (e.g., renal disease)

Question 9

Causes of Hematuria?

Answer 9

1. Urinary tract infection
2. Kidney stones
3. Trauma
4. Coagulopathy
5. Nephritis

Question 10

Signs NOT typical of Minimal Change disease?

Answer 10

1. Presence of haematuria
2. Hypertension
3. Reduced urine output

Question 11

Signs typical of Minimal Change disease?

Answer 11

Question 12

5 investigations for hematuria?

Answer 12

1. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
2. Serum electrolytes
3. Complete blood count (CBC)
4. Complement levels (C3, C4)
5. Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer

Question 13

Tests to assess Hearing?

Answer 13

1. Perform an audiometric hearing test.
2. Conduct otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test.
3. Observe response to sounds in the environment.

Question 14

Key features of severe autistic spectrum disorder?

Answer 14

1. Significant impairment in social interactions
2. Severe communication difficulties
3. Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests
4. Sensory sensitivities

Question 15

Respiratory findings consistent with Bronchitis?

Answer 15

Tachypnea
Wheeze
Nasal Flaring
Use of accesory muscles

Question 16

List factors which predispose babies to the development of bronchiolitis

Answer 16

1. Prematurity
2. Congenital heart disease
3. Chronic lung disease
4. Immunodeficiency
5. Exposure to smoke