Airway: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Anaesthesia · Airway

Sample item

Which of the following is a contraindication to using a classic laryngeal mask airway?

AA rescue device after failed intubation in a fasted patientBA patient breathing spontaneously for minor surgeryCA short elective procedure in a fasted patientDA full stomach or high risk of regurgitation

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. A full stomach or high risk of regurgitation

A laryngeal mask sits above the larynx and does not seal the airway from the oesophagus, so it gives no reliable protection against aspiration. It is avoided in patients with a full stomach, symptomatic reflux, pregnancy near term or bowel obstruction. It is useful for short procedures and as a rescue airway.

Option by option

A. A rescue device after failed intubation in a fasted patient
A laryngeal mask is a recommended rescue device in a failed intubation in a patient without aspiration risk.
B. A patient breathing spontaneously for minor surgery
Spontaneous breathing for minor surgery is a typical indication.
C. A short elective procedure in a fasted patient
A short elective procedure in a fasted patient is a standard indication.
D. A full stomach or high risk of regurgitation (correct)
Correct. Without a sealed airway, regurgitated gastric contents can enter the lungs.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is D, A full stomach or high risk of regurgitation. A laryngeal mask sits above the larynx and does not seal the airway from the oesophagus, so it gives no reliable protection against aspiration.

Why is "A rescue device after failed intubation in a fasted patient" not the answer?

A laryngeal mask is a recommended rescue device in a failed intubation in a patient without aspiration risk.

Why is "A patient breathing spontaneously for minor surgery" not the answer?

Spontaneous breathing for minor surgery is a typical indication.

Why is "A short elective procedure in a fasted patient" not the answer?

A short elective procedure in a fasted patient is a standard indication.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Airway in Anaesthesia. It is avoided in patients with a full stomach, symptomatic reflux, pregnancy near term or bowel obstruction. It is useful for short procedures and as a rescue airway.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Airway?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.