NEET-PG 2015 — Anesthesiology
8 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations
What is the ionized calcium (IC) content of Ringer's lactate in mmol/L, and why is it clinically significant?
All of the following drugs increase the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting after squint surgery in children except?
Laryngeal mask airway [LMA] is contraindicated in?
Which one of the following agents sensitizes the myocardium to catecholamines?
Which anesthetic agent is safe to use in patients with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP)?
At the end of anaesthesia after discontinuation of nitrous oxide and removal of endotracheal tube, 100% oxygen is administered to the patient to prevent:
Post dural puncture headache usually presents within ?
What is the composition of soda lime?
NEET-PG 2015 - Anesthesiology NEET-PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: What is the ionized calcium (IC) content of Ringer's lactate in mmol/L, and why is it clinically significant?
- A. 4 mmol/L (Correct Answer)
- B. 0 mmol/L
- C. 130 mmol/L
- D. 109 mmol/L
Explanation: ***4 mmol/L*** - Ringer's lactate contains **calcium chloride**, contributing to its ionized calcium content of **4 mmol/L**. - This calcium is a critical component for **blood clotting** and **cardiac function**, making it clinically significant, particularly in large volume resuscitation. *130 mmol/L* - This value is close to the **sodium content** of Ringer's lactate, not its ionized calcium. - Sodium is the primary determinant of **fluid balance** and **osmolarity**, distinct from calcium's roles. *109 mmol/L* - This value approximates the **chloride content** of Ringer's lactate, which is important for acid-base balance but not its ionized calcium. - Chloride's primary role is in maintaining **electrical neutrality** and fluid distribution. *0 mmol/L* - Ringer's lactate is a **balanced electrolyte solution** and definitely contains calcium. - A value of 0 would indicate the absence of calcium, which would contradict its formulation and clinical utility, especially in scenarios requiring **electrolyte repletion**.
Question 2: All of the following drugs increase the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting after squint surgery in children except?
- A. Halothane
- B. Propofol (Correct Answer)
- C. Nitrous Oxide
- D. Opioids
Explanation: ***Propofol*** - Propofol is known to have **antiemetic properties** and is often used to reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). - Its mechanism involves modulating **GABA-A receptors** and potentially other pathways that suppress emetic responses. *Halothane* - **Inhalational anesthetics** like halothane are a significant risk factor for PONV, particularly in children and following surgeries like squint repair. - They tend to increase PONV by directly stimulating the **chemoreceptor trigger zone** and altering gut motility. *Opioids* - Opioids, commonly used for postoperative pain control, are a well-known cause of **nausea and vomiting**. - They activate **opioid receptors** in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and the gastrointestinal tract, leading to emesis and delayed gastric emptying. *Nitrous Oxide* - The use of **nitrous oxide** as part of a general anesthetic regimen has been consistently associated with an increased risk of PONV. - It is believed to contribute to PONV by increasing the risk of **bowel distension** and stimulating neurotransmitter release involved in emesis.
Question 3: Laryngeal mask airway [LMA] is contraindicated in?
- A. Ocular surgeries
- B. Pregnant female (Correct Answer)
- C. Difficult airways
- D. In CPR
Explanation: ***Pregnant female*** - **Pregnant patients** are at an increased risk of **gastric reflux and aspiration pneumonitis** due to decreased lower esophageal sphincter tone and increased intra-abdominal pressure. - The LMA does not provide a secure airway seal against aspiration, making it contraindicated in cases where **aspiration risk is high**, such as pregnancy or full stomach. *Difficult airways* - The LMA is often considered a **rescue device** in difficult airway algorithms when tracheal intubation fails. - It can be used as a conduit for **fiberoptic intubation** or as a temporary airway while preparing for a definitive airway. *Ocular surgeries* - LMAs are generally suitable for ocular surgeries as they provide a stable airway without the use of a mask, which can obstruct the surgical field. - They tend to cause **less coughing and straining** upon insertion and maintenance compared to endotracheal tubes, which is beneficial in preventing increases in intraocular pressure. *In CPR* - The LMA can be an effective airway device during **cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)** when endotracheal intubation is not immediately feasible. - It provides a relatively quick and easy way to establish an airway, facilitate ventilation, and reduce the risk of gastric insufflation during chest compressions.
Question 4: Which one of the following agents sensitizes the myocardium to catecholamines?
- A. Isoflurane
- B. Ether
- C. Halothane (Correct Answer)
- D. Propofol
Explanation: ***Halothane*** - **Halothane** sensitizes the myocardium to the arrhythmogenic effects of **catecholamines**, leading to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias, especially in the presence of exogenous adrenaline. - This sensitization occurs due to its effect on myocardial **calcium ion** regulation and increased automaticity in cardiac pacemaker cells. *Isoflurane* - **Isoflurane** causes minimal sensitization of the myocardium to catecholamines compared to halothane. - It maintains **cardiac output** with a dose-dependent decrease in systemic vascular resistance. *Ether* - **Diethylether** historically caused sympathetic stimulation, which could mask some depressant effects but did not primarily sensitize the myocardium to arrhythmias from exogenous catecholamines. - Its use has largely been replaced due to its flammability and slower induction/recovery. *Propofol* - **Propofol** generally causes myocardial depression and vasodilation, but it does **not sensitize** the myocardium to catecholamines in a clinically significant way that increases arrhythmogenic risk. - It often leads to a decrease in **blood pressure** and heart rate.
Question 5: Which anesthetic agent is safe to use in patients with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP)?
- A. Thiopentone (Correct Answer)
- B. Halothane
- C. Ketamine
- D. Ether
Explanation: ***Thiopentone*** - **Thiopentone** is a barbiturate that **decreases cerebral blood flow** and **metabolic rate**, leading to a reduction in intracranial pressure (ICP). - Its rapid onset and short duration of action make it suitable for inducing anesthesia in patients with elevated ICP. *Halothane* - **Halothane** is a potent **vasodilator** that can increase cerebral blood flow and consequently **elevate intracranial pressure**, making it unsuitable. - It also has a **slow onset and offset**, which can be problematic in emergent situations involving ICP. *Ketamine* - **Ketamine** is known to significantly **increase cerebral blood flow** and **intracranial pressure**, making it generally contraindicated in patients with elevated ICP. - It can also cause **dissociative states** and **emergence delirium**, which can further complicate neurological assessment. *Ether* - **Ether** is an older anesthetic agent known to cause **significant cerebral vasodilation** and an **increase in intracranial pressure**. - It is **highly flammable** and rarely used in modern clinical practice due to its side effects and safety profile.
Question 6: At the end of anaesthesia after discontinuation of nitrous oxide and removal of endotracheal tube, 100% oxygen is administered to the patient to prevent:
- A. Second gas effect
- B. Bronchospasm
- C. Hyperoxia
- D. Diffusion Hypoxia (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Diffusion Hypoxia*** - Post-anaesthesia administration of 100% oxygen prevents **diffusion hypoxia**, a phenomenon where **nitrous oxide** rapidly diffuses out of the blood into the alveoli, diluting alveolar oxygen and carbon dioxide. - This rapid outflow of nitrous oxide can lead to a significant drop in **partial pressure of oxygen** in the alveoli, causing hypoxemia if not counteracted with high inspired oxygen. *Second gas effect* - The **second gas effect** refers to the phenomenon where the rapid uptake of a highly soluble anesthetic (like nitrous oxide) accelerates the uptake of a co-administered less soluble anesthetic. - This is an effect related to the **induction phase** of anesthesia, not emergence, and is distinct from the issues arising from nitrous oxide washout. *Bronchospasm* - **Bronchospasm** is an acute constriction of the bronchioles, often triggered by irritants, allergens, or certain medications. - While it can occur during emergence from anesthesia, it is not directly prevented by administering 100% oxygen and is typically managed with bronchodilators. *Hyperoxia* - **Hyperoxia** is a condition of excess oxygen in the body, which can be detrimental, but it is not the primary concern immediately following the discontinuation of nitrous oxide. - Administering 100% oxygen in this context is a **controlled, short-term measure** to prevent a more immediate and severe issue (hypoxia) rather than causing chronic hyperoxia.
Question 7: Post dural puncture headache usually presents within ?
- A. 0-6 Hrs
- B. 6-12 Hrs
- C. 12-72 Hrs (Correct Answer)
- D. 72-96 Hrs
Explanation: ***12-72 Hrs*** - The onset of a **post-dural puncture headache (PDPH)** typically occurs within **12 to 72 hours** after the dural puncture. - This delay is thought to be related to the time it takes for significant **cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage** and corresponding intracranial hypotension to develop. *0-6 Hrs* - Headaches presenting within this timeframe are less likely to be true **PDPH** as the typical latency period for significant CSF leakage and its symptomatic effects hasn't usually manifested. - Such early headaches might be due to other causes like **anxiety**, **dehydration**, or mild irritation from the procedure. *6-12 Hrs* - While possible, onset within this timeframe is less common than the 12-72 hour window for **classic PDPH**. - Moderate **CSF leakage** might lead to symptoms in some individuals, but the vast majority present later. *72-96 Hrs* - Although PDPH can persist for days or even weeks, its **onset** is significantly less common in this range. - A headache beginning this late may prompt consideration of other differential diagnoses, though late-onset PDPH is not unheard of.
Question 8: What is the composition of soda lime?
- A. 4% NaOH, 90% Ca(OH)2, 1% KOH, 5% H2O
- B. 15% NaOH, 80% Ca(OH)2, trace elements, 4% H2O
- C. 4% NaOH, 80% Ca(OH)2, 1% KOH, 15% H2O
- D. 4% NaOH, 80% Ca(OH)2, trace elements, 15% H2O (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***4% NaOH, 80% Ca(OH)2, trace elements, 15% H2O*** - **Soda lime** is primarily composed of **calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)**, typically around 80%, which acts as the main absorbent. - It also contains **sodium hydroxide (NaOH)**, around 4%, which serves as an activator, along with approximately 15% **water (H2O)** to facilitate the reaction, and **trace elements** like potassium hydroxide. *4% NaOH, 90% Ca(OH)2, 1% KOH, 5% H2O* - This option shows a higher percentage of **calcium hydroxide (90%)** and a lower percentage of **water (5%)** than the standard composition. - The reduced water content might impair the efficiency of **carbon dioxide absorption**. *4% NaOH, 80% Ca(OH)2, 1% KOH, 15% H2O* - While the percentages of NaOH, Ca(OH)2, and H2O are closer to correct, this option specifically mentions **potassium hydroxide (KOH)** as a distinct component at 1%, rather than general trace elements. - The standard composition usually encompasses trace elements more broadly, and specific percentages for KOH are not always highlighted as a primary component. *15% NaOH, 80% Ca(OH)2, trace elements, 4% H2O* - This composition incorrectly suggests a significantly higher percentage of **sodium hydroxide (15%)** and a critically low percentage of **water (4%)**. - A higher NaOH concentration can increase the risk of **carbon monoxide formation** from halogenated anesthetics, and inadequate water reduces absorptive capacity.