NLE Paediatrics MCQs: Practice Questions With Explanations

Sample NLE (NRE) theory MCQs from Paediatrics — 14 of the 200 theory questions by PM&DC's own weighting, tied with Obstetrics & Gynaecology — covering neonatology, development and paediatric emergencies, each with the correct answer explained.

Paediatrics makes up 14 of the 200 questions on the NLE (NRE) theory paper — tied with Obstetrics & Gynaecology for the third-largest clinical section, just behind Medicine and Allied and Surgery and Allied. Below is a sample set of Paediatrics MCQs in the same clinical-vignette style tested on exam day.

Neonatology

1. A newborn develops yellowing of the skin within the first 24 hours of life. This pattern is most concerning for:

A) Physiological jaundice
B) Haemolytic disease of the newborn ✅
C) Breast milk jaundice
D) Biliary atresia

2. A newborn has central cyanosis that fails to improve on a hyperoxia test (100% oxygen). This finding is most suggestive of:

A) Respiratory distress syndrome
B) Cyanotic congenital heart disease ✅
C) Transient tachypnoea of the newborn
D) Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Growth & Development

3. A normally developing infant typically achieves unsupported sitting at:

A) 3 months
B) 6 months ✅
C) 9 months
D) 12 months

Paediatric Emergencies

4. A 2-year-old presents with high-grade fever for 5 days, bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, a strawberry tongue, and swelling of the hands and feet. The most likely diagnosis is:

A) Scarlet fever
B) Measles
C) Kawasaki disease ✅
D) Toxic shock syndrome

5. A previously well 18-month-old has a 3-minute generalised tonic-clonic seizure during a fever of 39.5°C, with rapid return to baseline. This is most consistent with:

A) Epilepsy
B) Simple febrile seizure ✅
C) Meningitis
D) Breath-holding spell

Why Paediatrics Deserves a Dedicated Pass

Paediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology are tied for the third-largest share of the NLE theory paper, at 14 questions each, right after Medicine and Surgery. As our NLE exam guide explains, that makes it worth a dedicated study pass — neonatal red flags, developmental milestones, and classic paediatric emergency presentations repeat across sessions in the same clinical-vignette format shown above.

HighYield's NLE question bank covers Paediatrics alongside every discipline on the theory paper, including a dedicated Paediatrics subject bank, with every question explained. Start with your first questions free, no sign-in required.