100+ Free Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Exam Practice Questions

Prepare for the Arab Board Pediatrics Final Clinical and Oral Examination (ABHS) exam with instant access — no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

100+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Arab Board Specialty Certification Exams

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Sample Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Exam 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 through thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The infant is limp, apneic, and has a heart rate of 70 beats/min. According to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) 8th edition guidelines, what is the most appropriate immediate action?

A.Bring the infant to the radiant warmer and initiate positive-pressure ventilation (PPV)

B.Perform immediate direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal suctioning before drying

C.Administer free-flow 100% oxygen via a simple face mask for 60 seconds

D.Begin synchronous chest compressions at a 3:1 ratio immediately

Explanation: Current NRP guidelines recommend that non-vigorous infants delivered through meconium-stained fluid should be brought immediately to the radiant warmer to undergo initial resuscitation steps (warming, drying, stimulation, positioning) followed promptly by positive-pressure ventilation if the infant remains apneic or bradycardic (HR < 100 bpm). Routine intrapartum or immediate direct laryngoscopy for tracheal suctioning is no longer recommended because it delays ventilation without improving survival or clinical outcomes.

2During resuscitation of an apneic term neonate, positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) is initiated with a T-piece resuscitator. After 15 seconds, you observe no chest rise and the heart rate remains 55 beats/min. Which sequence of ventilation corrective steps (MR. SOPA) should be performed first?

A.Mask adjustment and Repositioning of the airway

B.Suction mouth and nose, and Open mouth

C.Pressure increase

D.Alternative airway insertion

Explanation: The MR. SOPA mnemonic outlines the stepwise corrective actions for ineffective PPV in neonatal resuscitation. The first two actions are Mask adjustment (ensuring a tight seal) and Repositioning of the head/airway into a neutral 'sniffing' position, followed by trial of PPV. If chest rise remains absent, the subsequent steps are Suctioning and Opening the mouth (SO), Pressure increase (P), and Alternative airway (A).

3A newborn remains bradycardic with a heart rate of 48 beats/min despite 30 seconds of effective positive-pressure ventilation via an endotracheal tube with confirmed bilateral chest expansion. What is the next immediate step in resuscitation?

A.Initiate chest compressions at a 3:1 ratio coordinated with ventilation and increase FiO2 to 100%

B.Administer intravenous epinephrine 0.02 mg/kg through an umbilical venous catheter

C.Give a normal saline volume expander bolus of 10 mL/kg over 5 minutes

D.Continue positive-pressure ventilation alone with 21% room air for another 60 seconds

Explanation: If the newborn's heart rate remains below 60 beats/min after at least 30 seconds of effective positive-pressure ventilation through an alternative airway (endotracheal tube or LMA), chest compressions must be initiated at a 3:1 compression-to-ventilation ratio (90 compressions and 30 breaths per minute). Concurrently, the supplemental oxygen concentration must be increased to 100% (FiO2 1.0) to optimize myocardial oxygen delivery.

4During advanced neonatal resuscitation of a 3 kg infant, chest compressions and 100% oxygen ventilation have been ongoing for 60 seconds, but the heart rate remains 40 beats/min. An emergency umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is successfully placed. What is the recommended dose and concentration of intravenous epinephrine?

A.0.02 mg/kg (0.2 mL/kg of 1:10,000 [0.1 mg/mL] solution)

B.0.1 mg/kg (1.0 mL/kg of 1:10,000 [0.1 mg/mL] solution)

C.0.01 mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg of 1:1,000 [1.0 mg/mL] solution)

D.0.05 mg/kg (0.5 mL/kg of 1:10,000 [0.1 mg/mL] solution)

Explanation: The NRP recommended intravenous/intraosseous dose of epinephrine is 0.02 mg/kg (range 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg), which equals 0.2 mL/kg (range 0.1 to 0.3 mL/kg) of the 1:10,000 (0.1 mg/mL) concentration. For a 3 kg infant, this corresponds to 0.6 mL of 1:10,000 epinephrine, followed by a 3 mL normal saline flush to ensure delivery into the central circulation.

5A 2-hour-old term infant of a mother with poorly controlled gestational diabetes is jittery, irritable, and has poor latching. Point-of-care capillary glucose is 1.4 mmol/L (25 mg/dL). What is the most appropriate initial management?

A.Administer an intravenous bolus of 2 mL/kg of 10% dextrose (D10W) followed by a continuous glucose infusion

B.Administer oral 20% dextrose solution and recheck blood glucose in 60 minutes

C.Provide 1 mL/kg of intramuscular glucagon and encourage breastfeeding

D.Administer an intravenous bolus of 5 mL/kg of 25% dextrose (D25W) immediately

Explanation: Symptomatic neonatal hypoglycemia or blood glucose < 1.6 mmol/L (< 28 mg/dL) requires immediate intravenous treatment with a bolus of 2 mL/kg of 10% dextrose (D10W), providing 200 mg/kg of glucose. This must be followed immediately by a continuous IV glucose infusion rate (GIR) of 4 to 8 mg/kg/min (60-80 mL/kg/day of D10W) to prevent rebound hypoglycemia caused by maternal hyperinsulinism.

6A 12-hour-old term neonate born to a group O Rh-positive mother is visibly jaundiced. The infant is group A Rh-positive with a strongly positive direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test). Total serum bilirubin is 220 micromol/L (12.9 mg/dL), well above the intensive phototherapy threshold and approaching exchange transfusion levels. What is the primary pathophysiology?

A.Immune-mediated hemolysis from maternal anti-A IgG antibodies crossing the placenta

B.Excessive red blood cell breakdown due to maternal anti-D IgM antibodies

C.Impaired hepatic bilirubin conjugation from delayed uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1) maturation

D.Biliary tract obstruction causing conjugated hyperbilirubinemia

Explanation: ABO incompatibility occurs when an O-group mother has preformed anti-A and anti-B IgG antibodies that readily cross the placenta into fetal circulation, binding to fetal erythrocytes and causing immune-mediated extravascular hemolysis. The onset of jaundice within the first 24 hours of life with a positive Coombs test and elevated unconjugated bilirubin is classic for hemolytic disease of the newborn.

7A newborn is delivered at 38 weeks gestation and immediately exhibits severe respiratory distress, cyanosis, and a scaphoid abdomen. Auscultation reveals heart sounds displaced to the right hemithorax and bowel sounds in the left chest. What is the most critical initial stabilization step?

A.Perform immediate endotracheal intubation and place a large-bore nasogastric tube to suction, avoiding bag-valve-mask ventilation

B.Initiate vigorous bag-valve-mask positive-pressure ventilation with 100% oxygen

C.Perform emergency needle thoracocentesis in the second left intercostal space

D.Place the infant on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at 8 cm H2O via nasal prongs

Explanation: This presentation is classic for a left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Bochdalek hernia). Immediate endotracheal intubation is mandatory, and bag-valve-mask ventilation must be strictly avoided because it introduces gas into the intrathoracic stomach and bowel, worsening pulmonary compression and causing catastrophic mediastinal shift. A continuous-suction nasogastric or orogastric tube is essential to decompress the gastrointestinal tract.

8A premature neonate born at 29 weeks gestation develops tachypnea, grunting, intercostal retractions, and cyanosis 30 minutes after delivery. Chest radiography demonstrates diffuse 'ground-glass' reticulogranular opacities with prominent air bronchograms and low lung volumes. What is the definitive initial treatment for this condition?

A.Endotracheal administration of exogenous surfactant along with respiratory support

B.Intravenous broad-spectrum ampicillin and gentamicin alone

C.High-dose intravenous furosemide and fluid restriction

D.Inhaled nitric oxide at 20 parts per million via high-frequency oscillatory ventilation

Explanation: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants is caused by a deficiency of endogenous surfactant produced by type II pneumocytes, resulting in high alveolar surface tension, microatelectasis, and ventilation-perfusion mismatch. The definitive therapy is early administration of exogenous surfactant (via endotracheal tube or minimally invasive surfactant administration [LISA]) combined with CPAP or mechanical ventilation.

9A 39-week infant delivered by elective Cesarean section without labor develops mild tachypnea (respiratory rate 72 breaths/min) and mild intercostal indrawing at 1 hour of life. The infant has normal tone, pink color on room air, and normal heart sounds. Chest radiograph shows fluid in the interlobar fissures, perihilar prominent vascular markings, and hyperinflation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A.Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN)

B.Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS)

C.Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

D.Congenital lobar emphysema

Explanation: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (wet lung syndrome) results from delayed clearance of fetal alveolar fluid due to lack of the thoracic squeezing and catecholamine surge associated with active labor. It is particularly common after elective Cesarean section. Radiographic findings characteristically demonstrate fluid in the horizontal interlobar fissure, perihilar streaking ('sunburst' appearance), and mild hyperinflation, with clinical resolution usually occurring within 24 to 72 hours under supportive care.

10A 4-day-old term infant presents to the emergency department with temperature instability (35.8 C), lethargy, poor feeding, and a prolonged capillary refill time of 4 seconds. The mother was GBS positive with unknown intrapartum antibiotic status. What is the most appropriate empirical intravenous antibiotic combination?

A.Ampicillin and Gentamicin (or Cefotaxime)

B.Vancomycin and Piperacillin-tazobactam

C.Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole

D.Clindamycin and Amikacin

Explanation: The standard empirical antibiotic regimen for early-onset neonatal sepsis is IV ampicillin (covering Group B Streptococcus and Listeria monocytogenes) combined with an aminoglycoside such as gentamicin (covering Escherichia coli and other Gram-negative bacilli) or cefotaxime. Ceftriaxone is avoided in neonates due to biliary sludging and displacement of bilirubin from albumin.

About the Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Exam Exam

The Arab Board Pediatrics Final Clinical and Oral Examination is the capstone exit assessment certifying clinical competence for pediatric residency graduates across Arab League member nations. Administered by senior consultant pediatric examiners appointed by the Scientific Council of Pediatrics, the examination assesses real-time clinical judgment, bedside physical examination (long and short cases), acute resuscitation (NRP and PALS), objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) stations, developmental evaluation, laboratory/imaging/ABG interpretation, and structured oral viva discussions. This practice resource provides an English-language clinical scenario question bank adapted from authentic Arab Board clinical examination blueprints.

Assessment

Performance-based assessment

Time Limit

Approximately 2 to 3 hours

Passing Score

A standard passing score of approximately 60% is established by the ABHS Scientific Council of Pediatrics across bedside clinical examination stations, OSCE stations, and structured oral viva panels.

Exam Fee

Set by ABHS and national councils (Arab Board of Health Specializations (ABHS) - Scientific Council of Pediatrics)

Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Exam Exam Content Outline

15%

Neonatal Resuscitation & Neonatology

NRP algorithms, meconium aspiration, neonatal jaundice, prematurity, RDS, necrotizing enterocolitis, HIE, and neonatal seizures.

13%

Pediatric Resuscitation & Emergency Stabilization (PALS)

PALS cardiac arrest, shockable/non-shockable algorithms, septic shock fluid resuscitation, inotropes, status epilepticus, and anaphylaxis.

11%

Pediatric Cardiology & Hemodynamics

Duct-dependent lesions, cyanotic/acyanotic CHD, Tetralogy of Fallot spells, acute rheumatic fever, Kawasaki disease, and arrhythmias.

11%

Pulmonology & Airway Emergencies

Croup, acute epiglottitis, viral bronchiolitis, acute severe asthma, foreign body aspiration, cystic fibrosis, and empyema.

10%

Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

Pyloric stenosis, intussusception, biliary atresia, Hirschsprung disease, celiac disease, severe acute malnutrition, and rickets.

10%

Nephrology, Fluids & Acid-Base

Nephrotic syndrome, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, STEC-HUS, UTIs, severe electrolyte disorders, and maintenance fluid therapy.

10%

Pediatric Neurology, Seizures & Neurodevelopment

Febrile seizures, absence epilepsy, infantile spasms, bacterial meningitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, developmental milestones, and neurocutaneous syndromes.

Hematology & Oncology

Iron deficiency anemia, beta-thalassemia, sickle cell crises, G6PD deficiency, immune thrombocytopenia, ALL, and Wilms tumor.

Infectious Diseases & Immunology

Measles, meningococcemia, septic arthritis/osteomyelitis, pertussis, SCID, chronic granulomatous disease, and congenital CMV.

Endocrinology & Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Diabetic ketoacidosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, congenital hypothyroidism, urea cycle defects, and organic acidemias.

How to Pass the Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: A standard passing score of approximately 60% is established by the ABHS Scientific Council of Pediatrics across bedside clinical examination stations, OSCE stations, and structured oral viva panels.
Assessment: Performance-based assessment
Time limit: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
Exam fee: Set by ABHS and national councils

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Exam Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master NRP and PALS emergency algorithms thoroughly, including exact weight-based drug doses (epinephrine, adenosine, dextrose boluses, fluid boluses) and electrical therapy settings (defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion).

2Structure bedside clinical examination presentations systematically: provide a succinct opening summary, highlight pertinent positive and negative physical signs, offer a justified differential diagnosis, and present a stepwise investigation and management plan.

3Practice rapid interpretation of common pediatric clinical artifacts, including neonatal and pediatric chest X-rays, 12-lead ECGs, blood gas analyses, bone age films, and peripheral blood smears under timed viva conditions.

4Review milestones across all four developmental domains (gross motor, fine motor/vision, speech/hearing, social) along with age-specific red flags and developmental screening tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of the Arab Board Pediatrics Final Clinical and Oral Exam?

The Arab Board (ABHS) Pediatrics Final Clinical and Oral Exam typically comprises bedside clinical stations (long cases and short cases across cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal, and neurological systems), OSCE stations assessing communication and procedural skills, and structured oral viva stations covering emergency algorithms (NRP/PALS), imaging, ECGs, blood films, and biochemical profiles.

What is the passing score for the Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Exam?

While passing standards are determined by the ABHS Scientific Council of Pediatrics for each examination cycle, candidates are generally expected to achieve a cumulative mark of approximately 60% and achieve passing scores across individual clinical and viva domains.

How are acute resuscitation and emergencies evaluated in the exam?

Resuscitation is rigorously tested through simulated OSCE stations and structured viva scenarios where candidates must verbalize and demonstrate step-by-step algorithms for Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) protocols and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) scenarios, including weight-based drug and fluid dosing.

Are these 100 practice questions an official Arab Board examination paper?

No. These 100 scenario-based questions represent an English-language clinical MCQ study adaptation created by medical educators to reflect the diagnostic reasoning, bedside examination findings, investigation interpretation, and clinical viva scenarios tested in the Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Examination.

100+ Free Arab Board Pediatrics Clinical Exam Practice Questions

Explore More Arab Board Specialty Certification Exams

Arab Board Pediatrics Part 1 Written Exam (ABHS)

Arab Board Anatomic Pathology Part 1 Written Exam (ABHS)

Arab Board Anesthesia and Intensive Care Final Clinical and Oral Exam (ABHS)

Arab Board Anesthesia and Intensive Care Final Written Exam (ABHS)

Arab Board Anesthesia Part 1 Written Exam (ABHS)

Arab Board Clinical Pathology Part 1 Written Exam (ABHS)