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100+ Free Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 Practice Questions

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Sample Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A term newborn is delivered with weak respiratory effort and a heart rate of 80 bpm despite drying, warming, stimulation and airway positioning. According to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, what is the most appropriate next step?
A.Begin chest compressions
B.Start positive-pressure ventilation
C.Administer intravenous adrenaline
D.Insert an umbilical venous catheter
Explanation: After the initial steps, if the newborn is apneic, gasping, or has a heart rate below 100 bpm, the priority is to establish ventilation with positive-pressure ventilation. Effective ventilation is the single most important intervention in neonatal resuscitation.
2At one minute of life a newborn has a heart rate of 130 bpm, slow irregular respirations, some flexion of limbs, a grimace to suction, and a pink body with blue extremities. What is the APGAR score?
A.5
B.6
C.7
D.8
Explanation: Heart rate over 100 scores 2, slow irregular respirations score 1, some flexion scores 1, grimace scores 1, and acrocyanosis (pink body, blue extremities) scores 1, giving a total of 7.
3A 2-day-old term breastfed infant has a total serum bilirubin that is rising but remains below the phototherapy threshold for age, with no signs of haemolysis and a normal examination. What is the most likely cause of the jaundice?
A.Physiological jaundice
B.Biliary atresia
C.Rhesus haemolytic disease
D.Congenital hypothyroidism
Explanation: Unconjugated jaundice appearing after the first 24 hours in an otherwise well term infant, peaking around day 3 to 5, is typically physiological, caused by increased red cell breakdown and immature hepatic conjugation. No intervention beyond monitoring and feeding support is usually needed.
4A jaundiced newborn develops jaundice within the first 24 hours of life with a positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test, anaemia and reticulocytosis. The mother is blood group O positive and the baby is group A positive. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A.ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn
B.Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
C.Physiological jaundice
D.Breast milk jaundice
Explanation: Jaundice in the first 24 hours with a positive direct antiglobulin test and haemolysis in a group A or B infant of a group O mother indicates ABO incompatibility. Maternal anti-A or anti-B IgG antibodies cross the placenta and cause haemolysis.
5A preterm infant born at 28 weeks develops respiratory distress shortly after birth with tachypnoea, grunting, retractions and a chest radiograph showing a diffuse ground-glass appearance with air bronchograms. What is the underlying cause?
A.Meconium aspiration
B.Surfactant deficiency
C.Transient tachypnoea of the newborn
D.Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Explanation: Respiratory distress syndrome of prematurity is caused by surfactant deficiency, leading to alveolar collapse, reduced lung compliance and the classic ground-glass appearance with air bronchograms. Treatment includes antenatal steroids, exogenous surfactant and respiratory support.
6A 3-day-old infant presents with poor feeding, lethargy, temperature instability and apnoea. Blood cultures grow Group B Streptococcus. Which empirical antibiotic regimen is most appropriate for early-onset neonatal sepsis pending sensitivities?
A.Ampicillin plus gentamicin
B.Vancomycin plus meropenem
C.Ceftriaxone alone
D.Oral amoxicillin
Explanation: Early-onset neonatal sepsis is treated empirically with ampicillin plus gentamicin, which covers Group B Streptococcus, Listeria and common Gram-negative organisms. This combination is standard first-line therapy while awaiting culture results.
7A healthy term infant is born and the parents ask when the first dose of measles-containing vaccine is routinely given in WHO-aligned national schedules. What is the recommended age?
A.At birth
B.At 6 weeks
C.At 9 months
D.At 5 years
Explanation: In WHO-aligned schedules used across many Arab countries, the first dose of measles-containing vaccine is given at 9 months, with a second dose later in the second year. Earlier administration is limited by interference from maternal antibodies.
8According to the WHO routine immunization schedule, at which ages is the primary series of pentavalent (DTP-HepB-Hib) vaccine typically given?
A.Birth, 1 month and 2 months
B.6, 10 and 14 weeks
C.2, 4 and 6 months only in high-income schedules
D.9, 12 and 18 months
Explanation: The WHO recommended primary series for pentavalent vaccine is at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age, alongside oral polio and other infant antigens. This schedule is widely used across Arab League countries.
9A child with severe combined immunodeficiency is identified at 2 months of age. Which routine vaccine is contraindicated in this child?
A.Inactivated polio vaccine
B.Hepatitis B vaccine
C.BCG vaccine
D.Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Explanation: Live vaccines such as BCG are contraindicated in severe combined immunodeficiency because the attenuated organism can cause disseminated, potentially fatal infection. Inactivated vaccines are safe though they may be less immunogenic.
10A mother brings her 4-month-old for vaccination. The infant has a runny nose and a temperature of 37.4 degrees Celsius but is feeding well and active. What is the correct action regarding the scheduled vaccines?
A.Defer all vaccines until fully well
B.Proceed with the scheduled vaccines
C.Give only the live vaccines
D.Delay by two weeks and review
Explanation: A minor illness such as a mild upper respiratory infection with or without low-grade fever is not a contraindication to vaccination. Vaccines should be given as scheduled to avoid missed opportunities and delays in protection.

About the Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 Exam

The Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 written examination is the first-part assessment in the Arab Board pediatric residency pathway, run by the Arab Board of Health Specializations and sat across Arab League countries including the UAE. It is a single written paper of approximately 150 best-of-five single-best-answer MCQs in clinical-vignette style, testing the basic and clinical science foundations of general paediatrics.

Assessment

A single written paper of approximately 150 best-of-five single-best-answer MCQs presented as clinical vignettes, covering the breadth of general paediatrics.

Time Limit

Approximately 3 hours for the single written paper

Passing Score

ABHS does not publish a single fixed official pass mark applicable to all sittings; a threshold of around 60% is commonly reported by candidates. Confirm the definitive standard with your national training council.

Exam Fee

Set by the Arab Board of Health Specializations and individual national councils, varying by country and training year. Confirm the current Part 1 fee with your council, as fees change periodically. (Arab Board of Health Specializations (ABHS))

Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 Exam Content Outline

16%

Neonatology

Neonatal resuscitation, prematurity, jaundice, sepsis, hypoglycaemia and common newborn problems.

12%

Infectious Diseases and Immunology

Vaccine-preventable diseases, viral exanthems, sepsis, immunodeficiency and allergy assessment.

12%

Growth, Development and Nutrition

Milestones, red flags, corrected age, breastfeeding, weaning, malnutrition, rickets and iron deficiency.

11%

Pediatric Emergencies

Anaphylaxis, paediatric life support, poisoning, sepsis, epiglottitis, asthma and safeguarding.

9%

Cardiology

Cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease, heart failure, rheumatic fever and innocent murmurs.

8%

Gastroenterology

Pyloric stenosis, intussusception, coeliac disease, Hirschsprung disease and biliary atresia.

7%

Neurology

Febrile seizures, status epilepticus, absence epilepsy and bacterial meningitis.

7%

Hematology and Oncology

Leukaemia, thalassaemia, sickle cell disease, G6PD deficiency, ITP and Wilms tumour.

6%

Nephrology

Nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, urinary tract infection and nocturnal enuresis.

5%

Endocrinology

Diabetes and ketoacidosis, congenital hypothyroidism, adrenal hyperplasia and growth disorders.

5%

Respiratory

Asthma, bronchiolitis, croup and foreign body aspiration.

2%

Genetics, Dysmorphology and Metabolism

Down syndrome, inheritance patterns, consanguinity counselling and inborn errors of metabolism.

How to Pass the Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: ABHS does not publish a single fixed official pass mark applicable to all sittings; a threshold of around 60% is commonly reported by candidates. Confirm the definitive standard with your national training council.
  • Assessment: A single written paper of approximately 150 best-of-five single-best-answer MCQs presented as clinical vignettes, covering the breadth of general paediatrics.
  • Time limit: Approximately 3 hours for the single written paper
  • Exam fee: Set by the Arab Board of Health Specializations and individual national councils, varying by country and training year. Confirm the current Part 1 fee with your council, as fees change periodically.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the high-yield core areas first, especially neonatology, immunization schedules, growth and developmental milestones, and weight-based emergency dosing, because these recur frequently in best-of-five questions.
2Practise full clinical-vignette MCQs under timed conditions, since the single 150-question paper rewards quick, accurate pattern recognition and disciplined time management.
3Memorise key paediatric numbers such as the 4-2-1 maintenance fluid rule, fluid bolus volumes, APGAR scoring and the WHO immunization schedule, as these are commonly tested and easy to confuse under pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 exam?

The Part 1 written examination is a single paper of approximately 150 best-of-five single-best-answer multiple-choice questions presented as clinical vignettes, taken in about 3 hours. It tests the basic and clinical foundations of general paediatrics.

Who administers the Arab Board Pediatrics exam and where can I sit it?

The Arab Board of Health Specializations (ABHS) sets the examination, which is delivered through national training councils across Arab League countries, including the United Arab Emirates. Confirm your sitting details and venue with your national council.

What is the passing score for the Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 exam?

ABHS does not publish a single fixed official pass mark applicable to every sitting. Candidates commonly report a threshold of around 60%, but you should confirm the definitive standard with your national training council and aim well above it in practice.

What topics are most heavily tested in Part 1 paediatrics?

High-yield areas include neonatology, growth and development, nutrition and immunization, paediatric emergencies and resuscitation, congenital heart disease, common infections and the basic sciences underpinning paediatric practice. Weight your revision toward these core areas.