Rosh Pediatrics Practice Exam

In the case of a child with suspected enterobiasis, which symptom would most likely be observed?

1. Constipation

2. Diarrhea

3. Insomnia

4. Abdominal distension

The correct answer is: Insomnia

In the context of enterobiasis, which is a common parasitic infection caused by pinworms, insomnia is often a notable symptom due to the intense itching around the anal area that typically occurs at night. This itching can be severe enough to disrupt a child's sleep, leading to restlessness and sleep disturbances. While constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal distension may be associated with various gastrointestinal issues, they are not the hallmark symptoms of enterobiasis. Constipation and diarrhea can occur for numerous reasons unrelated to pinworm infection and are not specifically indicative of this condition. Abdominal distension can also arise from a variety of gastrointestinal disorders and is not a primary feature of enterobiasis. Therefore, the symptom most directly associated with pinworm infection in children that can manifest behaviorally, such as insomnia from difficulty sleeping due to itching, is the most accurate choice.