RATIONALES 2026 |INSTANT DOWNOAD PDF
1. Which reflex is expected to disappear by 4–6 months of
age?
A. Babinski
B. Moro
C. Plantar grasp
D. Stepping
Correct answer: B. The Moro reflex normally disappears by 4–6
months; persistence suggests neurologic abnormality.
2. A 2-month-old infant should be able to:
A. Sit unsupported
B. Roll over completely
C. Lift head briefly when prone
D. Use pincer grasp
Correct answer: C. Head control begins around 2 months; sitting
and pincer grasp occur later.
3. The best indicator of adequate hydration in an infant is:
A. Tear production
B. Capillary refill
,C. Urine output
D. Moist mucous membranes
Correct answer: C. Urine output is the most reliable indicator of
hydration status.
4. Which vaccine is contraindicated in immunocompromised
children?
A. IPV
B. Hepatitis B
C. MMR
D. DTaP
Correct answer: C. MMR is a live vaccine and contraindicated in
immunocompromised patients.
5. The most common cause of acute otitis media in children is:
A. Haemophilus influenzae
B. Streptococcus pneumoniae
C. Moraxella catarrhalis
D. Staphylococcus aureus
Correct answer: B. Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most
common pathogen.
6. A barking cough and inspiratory stridor suggest:
,A. Epiglottitis
B. Bronchiolitis
C. Croup
D. Asthma
Correct answer: C. Croup classically presents with barking cough
and stridor.
7. First-line treatment for mild intermittent asthma is:
A. Inhaled corticosteroids
B. Leukotriene modifiers
C. Short-acting beta agonists
D. Oral steroids
Correct answer: C. SABAs are first-line for mild intermittent
asthma.
8. Which developmental milestone should a 9-month-old
achieve?
A. Walk independently
B. Say two-word phrases
C. Sit without support
D. Hop on one foot
Correct answer: C. Sitting without support is expected by 6–9
months.
, 9. Failure to thrive is best defined as:
A. Poor appetite
B. Weight below the 10th percentile
C. Weight crossing two major percentiles downward
D. Delayed height growth only
Correct answer: C. Crossing two major percentile lines is
diagnostic.
10. The most common cause of bronchiolitis is:
A. Influenza
B. RSV
C. Adenovirus
D. Rhinovirus
Correct answer: B. Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading
cause.
11. A bulging anterior fontanelle may indicate:
A. Dehydration
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Increased intracranial pressure
D. Normal growth
Correct answer: C. A bulging fontanelle suggests increased
intracranial pressure.