Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyNeonatal DistressNeonatal respiratory distress syndromeMCCQE Part 1

A premature infant born at 30 weeks develops grunting, nasal flaring and retractions shortly after birth; radiograph shows low volumes and diffuse reticulogranular opacities. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is the single best answer because the age, timing, examination findings and investigations in the vignette fit Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome better than the alternatives. The most tempting distractor is less appropriate because it either treats a neighbouring presentation, delays a time-critical intervention, or ignores a key discriminator in the stem. The remaining options are suboptimal because they would miss the diagnosis, use an investigation or treatment in the wrong sequence, or fail to address safety and follow-up. Canadian practice should be anchored to CPS neonatal respiratory guidance, with attention to acuity, safety-netting and local provincial pathways.

Reference: CPS neonatal respiratory guidance