GI GI Pediatric & Geriatric Considerations

Question 1

What is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Rotavirus

Answer

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe dehydrating diarrhea in children under 5, though vaccination has significantly reduced its incidence in the US.

Question 2

Which finding is most concerning for Hirschsprung's disease in a neonate?

Accepted Answer

Failure to pass meconium within 48 hours of birth

Answer

Hirschsprung's disease results from absent ganglion cells in the rectum, causing functional obstruction; failure to pass meconium within 48 hours is a classic early sign.

Question 3

In elderly patients, which change in GI physiology contributes most to constipation?

Accepted Answer

Decreased colonic motility and reduced physical activity

Answer

Aging is associated with reduced colonic motility, decreased physical activity, polypharmacy, and poor fluid intake, all of which contribute to chronic constipation in the elderly.

Question 4

Pyloric stenosis in infants typically presents with which characteristic symptom?

Accepted Answer

Non-bilious projectile vomiting at 3–6 weeks of age

Answer

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis causes gastric outlet obstruction, presenting with forceful non-bilious vomiting as the pyloric muscle hypertrophies, typically at 3–6 weeks of age.

Question 5

Which nutritional deficiency is a common GI-related concern in breastfed infants after 6 months without complementary foods?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency

Answer

Breast milk contains low levels of iron, and fetal iron stores are depleted by 6 months; without iron-rich complementary foods, breastfed infants are at high risk for iron-deficiency anemia.

(GI) Gastrointestinal Practice Test

(GI) Gastrointestinal Practice Test

GI GI Pediatric & Geriatric Considerations