MCQ 24.2 Flashcards
Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which IV magnesium sulfate reduces the risk of eclampsia in pre-eclampsia?
a. Blocking calcium influx at the neuromuscular junction
b. Increasing renal perfusion
c. Inhibiting NMDA receptor activity in the CNS
d. Enhancing nitric oxide release from the endothelium
e. Reducing systemic vascular resistance
Correct Answer:
c. Inhibiting NMDA receptor activity in the CNS
Innervation of the Breast
Which of the following statements about breast innervation is correct?
a. The long thoracic nerve provides motor innervation to the pectoralis major muscle, which underlies the breast.
b. The lateral cutaneous branches of intercostal nerves provide the majority of sensory innervation to the breast.
c. The thoracodorsal nerve provides sensory innervation to the upper outer quadrant of the breast.
d. The supraclavicular nerve supplies the entire breast, including the nipple.
e. The medial cutaneous nerve of the arm contributes to sensory innervation of the nipple.
Correct Answer:
b. The lateral cutaneous branches of T4-T6 intercostal nerves provide the majority of sensory innervation to the breast.
Physiological Changes of Pregnancy
Which of the following best explains the increased susceptibility to hypoxemia in pregnant patients during apnea?
a. Increased tidal volume and respiratory rate
b. Decreased functional residual capacity and increased oxygen consumption
c. Decreased plasma oncotic pressure and increased airway edema
d. Increased cardiac output and decreased hemoglobin concentration
e. Decreased alveolar ventilation and increased dead space
Correct Answer:
b. Decreased functional residual capacity and increased oxygen consumption
Physiology of Hyperthyroidism
Which of the following hemodynamic findings is most characteristic of hyperthyroidism?
a. Increased systemic vascular resistance with normal cardiac output
b. Decreased systemic vascular resistance with increased cardiac output
c. Increased pulmonary artery pressure with decreased stroke volume
d. Increased preload with decreased ejection fraction
e. Decreased preload with normal ejection fraction
Correct Answer:
b. Decreased systemic vascular resistance with increased cardiac output
Mechanism of Action of Low Molecular Weight Heparin
What is the primary mechanism of action of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)?
a. Inhibition of thrombin (Factor IIa) via direct binding
b. Activation of antithrombin to inhibit Factor Xa
c. Direct inhibition of Factor Xa
d. Inhibition of platelet aggregation via glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockade
e. Direct activation of the fibrinolytic pathway
Correct Answer:
b. Activation of antithrombin to inhibit Factor Xa
Actions of Hyaluronidase
Which of the following best describes the action of hyaluronidase in regional anesthesia?
a. Increases the lipid solubility of local anesthetics
b. Facilitates the spread of local anesthetics by breaking down interstitial hyaluronic acid
c. Enhances nerve blockade by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels
d. Prolongs the duration of nerve blockade by reducing local blood flow
e. Acts as a vasoconstrictor to decrease systemic absorption of local anesthetics
Correct Answer:
b. Facilitates the spread of local anesthetics by breaking down interstitial hyaluronic acid
Pacemaker Code
In a pacemaker with the code VVI, what does the second “V” represent?
a. The mode of pacing
b. The mode of sensing
c. The response to sensing
d. The location of the lead placement
e. The type of rhythm detected
Correct Answer:
b. The mode of sensing
Which of the following is most likely to cause interference with pulse oximetry readings?
a. Hypothermia
b. Carbon monoxide poisoning
c. Anemia with hemoglobin <7 g/dL
d. Hypoxemia with SpO2 <80%
e. Peripheral vasodilation
Correct Answer:
b. Carbon monoxide poisoning
Mechanism of Action of Low Molecular Weight Heparin
Which of the following is a characteristic of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH)?
a. Greater inhibition of thrombin (Factor IIa) than Factor Xa
b. Shorter half-life than unfractionated heparin
c. Does not require antithrombin for its action
d. Preferential inhibition of Factor Xa over thrombin
e. Reversible by protamine in a 1:1 ratio
Correct Answer:
d. Preferential inhibition of Factor Xa over thrombin
Actions of Hyaluronidase
Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of hyaluronidase in regional anesthesia?
a. Allergy to local anesthetics
b. Infection at the injection site
c. Concurrent use of vasopressors
d. History of hypertension
e. Use in pediatric patients
Correct Answer:
b. Infection at the injection site
Prognosis After Cardiac Arrest
Which of the following is most strongly associated with survival to hospital discharge after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?
a. Administration of epinephrine within 5 minutes
b. Initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation (VF)
c. Use of therapeutic hypothermia post-resuscitation
d. Age under 50 years
e. Normal serum lactate at admission
Correct Answer:
b. Initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Pacemaker Code
In the pacemaker code DDD, what does the third “D” represent?
a. Dual sensing and pacing in the atrium and ventricle
b. The response to sensing is dual (inhibitory and triggered)
c. Dual lead placement in both atrium and ventricle
d. Default pacing mode in the absence of sensed activity
e. The type of rhythm detected
Correct Answer:
b. The response to sensing is dual (inhibitory and triggered)
Pulse Oximetry Interference
Which of the following conditions is least likely to interfere with pulse oximetry readings?
a. Methylene blue administration
b. Severe peripheral vasoconstriction
c. Elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels
d. Hyperbilirubinemia
e. Severe hypothermia
Correct Answer:
d. Hyperbilirubinemia
Trigeminal Neuralgia Effects
Which of the following is a typical feature of trigeminal neuralgia?
a. Constant dull pain
b. Pain triggered by light touch or chewing
c. Bilateral pain distribution
d. Pain primarily affecting the ophthalmic division
e. Onset after a viral infection
Correct Answer:
b. Pain triggered by light touch or chewing
What is the primary mechanism of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)?
a. Direct platelet destruction by heparin
b. Activation of platelets by heparin-antibody complexes
c. Increased platelet clearance by the spleen
d. Inhibition of thrombin by heparin
e. Autoimmune destruction of megakaryocytes
Correct Answer:
b. Activation of platelets by heparin-antibody complexes
Which test is most commonly used to confirm a diagnosis of HIT?
a. Prothrombin time (PT)
b. Platelet function assay
c. Heparin-induced platelet aggregation assay
d. D-dimer levels
e. Anti-factor Xa activity
Correct Answer:
c. Heparin-induced platelet aggregation assay
Which echocardiographic view is most commonly used to assess myocardial ischaemia during surgery?
a. Apical four-chamber view
b. Mid-esophageal long-axis view
c. Transgastric short-axis view
d. Subcostal view
e. Suprasternal view
Correct Answer:
c. Transgastric short-axis view
What is the earliest echocardiographic sign of myocardial ischaemia?
a. Decreased ejection fraction
b. Hypokinesia of the affected wall
c. Appearance of new mitral regurgitation
d. Increased left atrial size
e. Global hypokinesia
Correct Answer:
b. Hypokinesia of the affected wall
What is the primary reason for using high fresh gas flows in paediatric anaesthesia with a Mapleson circuit?
a. To prevent rebreathing
b. To conserve heat and moisture
c. To reduce airway resistance
d. To avoid circuit disconnection
e. To ensure rapid emergence
Correct Answer:
a. To prevent rebreathing
Which Mapleson circuit is considered the most efficient for spontaneous ventilation in children?
a. Mapleson A
b. Mapleson B
c. Mapleson C
d. Mapleson D
e. Mapleson F
Correct Answer:
e. Mapleson A
Which Mapleson circuit is most efficient for controlled ventilation?
a. Mapleson A
b. Mapleson B
c. Mapleson C
d. Mapleson D
e. Mapleson F
Correct Answer:
d. Mapleson D
The most efficient circuit for controlled ventilation because the FGF forces alveolar air away from the patient and towards the APL valve. It’s often used for manual ventilation while transporting patients
The sciatic nerve provides motor innervation to which of the following muscles?
a. Quadriceps femoris
b. Gluteus maximus
c. Biceps femoris
d. Tensor fasciae latae
e. Sartorius
Correct Answer:
c. Biceps femoris
Which of the following is a sensory function of the sciatic nerve?
a. Sensation over the medial thigh
b. Sensation over the lateral thigh
c. Sensation over the sole of the foot
d. Sensation over the posterior thigh
e. Sensation over the medial malleolus
c. Sensation over the sole of the foot
What is the primary mechanism of action of methylene blue in vasoplegia?
a. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase
b. Activation of nitric oxide synthase
c. Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme
d. Direct vasoconstriction of arterioles
e. Enhancement of cyclic AMP
Correct Answer:
a. Inhibition of guanylate cyclase
Which of the following is a contraindication to methylene blue administration?
a. Hypertension
b. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
c. Renal failure
d. Pregnancy
e. Heart failure
Correct Answer:
b. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
What is the immediate management for a child suspected of swallowing a lithium coin battery?
a. Wait for spontaneous passage
b. Administer activated charcoal
c. Obtain a chest X-ray to localize the battery
d. Induce vomiting
e. Perform an upper endoscopy immediately
Correct Answer:
c. Obtain a chest X-ray to localize the battery
Transfusion-Associated Graft-Versus-Host Disease
What is the most effective strategy to prevent TA-GVHD?
a. Leukocyte filtration of blood products
b. Use of fresh frozen plasma
c. Irradiation of blood products
d. Administration of prophylactic steroids
e. Plasma exchange
Correct Answer:
c. Irradiation of blood products
A 25-year-old patient presents with a regular narrow-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm. Vagal manoeuvres are attempted but fail to terminate the rhythm. The next step in management is:
a. Intravenous metoprolol 5 mg
b. Intravenous verapamil 5 mg over 2 minutes
c. Intravenous adenosine 6 mg rapid bolus
d. Immediate synchronized cardioversion
e. Intravenous amiodarone 150 mg over 10 minutes
Correct Answer: c. Intravenous adenosine 6 mg rapid bolus
A monitored patient states he has chest pain. The 3 lead ECG shows ventricular tachycardia (VT) and a blood pressure of 75/40 mmHg. The most appropriate immediate management is:
a. Intravenous lidocaine 1 mg/kg bolus
b. Intravenous amiodarone 300 mg over 1 hour
c. Synchronized cardioversion at 100 J
d. Unsynchronized defibrillation at 200 J
e. Magnesium sulfate 2 g IV over 10 minutes
Correct Answer: c. Synchronized cardioversion at 100 J
Explanation: The patient is hemodynamically unstable due to VT, and the immediate treatment of choice is synchronized cardioversion. Unsynchronized defibrillation is reserved for pulseless VT or ventricular fibrillation.
A patient undergoing surgery develops sudden hypotension, bronchospasm, and urticaria after antibiotic administration. Despite 3 doses of 50 mcg intravenous adrenaline and 1L Crystalloid, the blood pressure remains 70/40 mmHg. The next step in management is:
a. Administer intravenous hydrocortisone 200 mg
b. Start an adrenaline infusion
c. Administer intravenous glucagon 1 mg
d. Administer intravenous vasopressin 2 units
e. Administer intravenous noradrenaline 10 mcg bolus
Correct Answer: b. Start an adrenaline infusion
Explanation: Refractory hypotension in anaphylaxis requires continuous adrenaline infusion to maintain blood pressure and counteract vasodilation and capillary leakage.
Which of the following is a potential adjunctive treatment for refractory hypotension in anaphylaxis in a beta-blocked patient?
a. Noradrenaline
b. Methylene blue
c. Glucagon
d. Phenylephrine
e. Atropine
Correct Answer: c. Glucagon
Explanation: Glucagon can bypass beta-receptor blockade by directly increasing intracellular cyclic AMP, improving cardiac output in refractory hypotension.
Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Pressure Trace
Question 1:
In an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) pressure waveform, which of the following is the expected effect of correct timing of balloon inflation?
a. Increased end diastolic pressure
b. Increased systolic blood pressure
c. Increased diastolic pressure after the dicrotic notch
d. Increased cardiac workload
e. Increased afterload
Correct Answer: c. Increased diastolic pressure after the dicrotic notch
Explanation: Correct inflation of the IABP balloon during diastole increases diastolic pressure, improving coronary perfusion.
What is the primary hemodynamic goal of an intra-aortic balloon pump?
a. Increase systemic vascular resistance
b. Decrease preload
c. Increase coronary blood flow and decrease afterload
d. Maintain mean arterial pressure
e. Prevent arrhythmias
Correct Answer: c. Increase coronary blood flow and decrease afterload
Explanation: IABP improves myocardial oxygen supply by increasing diastolic pressure and reduces oxygen demand by decreasing afterload.
What does the yellow colour coding on a laryngoscope handle indicate?
a. Standard battery-powered handle
b. Rechargeable battery handle
c. Pediatric handle
d. Disposable handle
e. Low-light intensity handle
Correct Answer: b. Rechargeable battery handle
Explanation: Yellow indicates a rechargeable handle according to standard colour coding.
What does the blue colour coding on a laryngoscope blade or handle signify?
a. Pediatric size blade
b. Disposable blade
c. Fiber-optic compatible blade
d. Standard non-rechargeable handle
e. LED illumination
Correct Answer: b. Disposable blade
Explanation: Blue colour coding is often used to indicate disposable blades or handles to prevent cross-contamination.
What is the primary purpose of the green-coded laryngoscope system?
a. Compatibility with pediatric blades
b. Identification of disposable handles
c. Light source in the handle
d. Light source in the blade
e. Identification of disposable blades
c. Light source in the handle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isxV4pphogE&ab_channel=PROACTMedical
What is the primary purpose of the black-coded laryngoscope system?
a. Compatibility with pediatric blades
b. Identification of disposable handles
c. Light source in the handle
d. Light source in the blade
e. Identification of disposable blades
d. Light source in the blade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isxV4pphogE&ab_channel=PROACTMedical
In a patient with restrictive lung disease, which of the following is typically reduced?
a. FEV1/FVC ratio
b. Total lung capacity
c. Residual volume
d. Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO)
e. Airway resistance
Correct Answer: b. Total lung capacity
Explanation: Restrictive lung disease is characterized by a reduction in total lung capacity.
Question 1:
What is the approximate half-life of unfractionated heparin at therapeutic doses of 100 IU/kg?
a. 30 minutes
b. 60 minutes
c. 90 minutes
d. 120 minutes
e. 180 minutes
Correct Answer: b. 60 minutes
Explanation: The half-life of unfractionated heparin at therapeutic doses is approximately 60 minutes.
Withheld for 4-6 hours before surgery = 4-6 half lives
Blue Book 2023
Which factor most significantly prolongs the half-life of unfractionated heparin?
a. Renal dysfunction
b. Hepatic dysfunction
c. Hypothermia
d. Thrombocytopenia
e. Acidosis
Correct Answer: c. Hypothermia
Explanation: Hypothermia reduces metabolism and clearance of heparin, prolonging its half-life.
Which of the following pulmonary function test findings is most suggestive of restrictive lung disease?
a. Decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) with normal FEV1/FVC ratio
b. Decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) with normal FEV1/FVC ratio
c. Increased FEV1 with a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio
d. Increased total lung capacity (TLC) with decreased FEV1/FVC ratio
e. Decreased TLC with increased FEV1/FVC ratio
Correct Answer: b. Decreased forced vital capacity (FVC) with normal FEV1/FVC ratio
Explanation: Restrictive lung diseases typically show a reduction in FVC with a preserved or increased FEV1/FVC ratio.
What is the primary reason for increased resistance to non-depolarising muscle relaxants in patients with extensive burns?
a. Decreased plasma protein binding
b. Increased plasma cholinesterase activity
c. Upregulation of acetylcholine receptors
d. Increased clearance due to renal dysfunction
e. Decreased hepatic metabolism
Correct Answer: c. Upregulation of acetylcholine receptors
Explanation: Burn injury leads to an upregulation of acetylcholine receptors, which increases the resistance to non-depolarising muscle relaxants, requiring higher doses.
A decreased DLCO with normal lung volumes and normal spirometry is most likely to indicate which of the following?
a. Pulmonary hypertension
b. Asthma
c. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
d. Restrictive lung disease
e. Bronchiectasis
a. Pulmonary hypertension
Explanation: A decreased DLCO with normal lung volumes and spirometry is characteristic of pulmonary vascular diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension, where gas exchange is impaired despite normal lung mechanics.
Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which clonidine enhances the effects of local anaesthetics when used as an adjuvant?
a. Inhibition of nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord
b. Potentiation of the effect of local anaesthetics on sodium channels
c. Inhibition of the reuptake of serotonin in the dorsal horn
d. Decreased systemic absorption of local anaesthetics
e. Inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system at the site of injection
Correct Answer: a. Inhibition of nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord
Explanation: Clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, enhances local anaesthetic effects primarily by inhibiting nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord.
Which of the following is the most reliable parameter to assess the adequacy of oxygenation in a patient receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)?
a. Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2)
b. Oxygen content (CaO2)
c. Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2)
d. End-tidal CO2 (EtCO2)
e. Arterial pH
Correct Answer: c. Mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2)
Explanation: SvO2 reflects the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption, making it the most reliable parameter for assessing the adequacy of oxygenation during ECMO.
What did the METS study show regarding pre-operative assessment of function capacity?
a. Subjective assessment has poor specificity
b. Subjective assessment has poor sensitivity
c. DASI has poor specificity
d. DASI has poor sensitivity
e. Subjective assessment has both poor specificity and poor sensitivity
b. Subjective assessment has poor sensitivity
Subjective assessment had 19·2% sensitivity (95% CI 14·2–25) and 94·7% specificity (93·2–95·9) for identifying the inability to attain four metabolic equivalents during CPET. Only DASI scores were associated with predicting the primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio 0·96, 95% CI 0·83–0·99; p=0·03).
DASI <34 increases risk of myocardial infarction and death within 30 days
Subjective assessment of Exercise capacity had poor sensitivity 19.2% (just cause patient says they can go up a flight of stairs does not mean they actually can)
94.7% specificity (if patient says they can’t it’s pretty reliable)
Patient subjective assessment of METS based on stair climbing does not reflect actual CPET numbers
Which of the following adjuvants is contraindicated in patients with a history of porphyria?
a. Sodium bicarbonate
b. Clonidine
c. Dexmedetomidine
d. Dexamethasone
e. Magnesium sulfate
Correct Answer: d. Dexamethasone
Explanation: Dexamethasone is avoided in porphyria as it can exacerbate the condition by inducing enzymes involved in heme synthesis.
In the perioperative setting, which of the following timing of serum tryptase measurement is most critical for diagnosing anaphylaxis?
a. Baseline level before surgery
b. As soon as possible after symptom onset
c. 30 minutes after symptom onset
d. 1–2 hours after symptom onset
e. 24 hours after symptom onset
b. As soon as possible after symptom onset
Which of the following is the most likely initial sign of anaphylaxis during general anaesthesia?
a. Cutaneous flushing
b. Bronchospasm
c. Hypotension
d. Tachycardia
e. Reduced end-tidal CO2
Correct Answer: e. Reduced end-tidal CO2
Explanation: Reduced end-tidal CO2 is often the first detectable sign due to decreased cardiac output secondary to hypotension and vasodilation, which may precede other symptoms in anaesthetized patients.