Portal hypertension: octreotide: practice question

A Pharmacology 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.

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Pharmacology · Portal hypertension: octreotide

Sample item

In acute variceal haemorrhage, octreotide is infused. What is its main haemodynamic effect?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Splanchnic vasoconstriction lowering portal inflow

Octreotide inhibits release of vasodilator hormones such as glucagon and causes splanchnic vasoconstriction, reducing portal pressure. It is also used in carcinoid syndrome and acromegaly.

Option by option

  • A. Direct lowering of intravariceal wall tension

    Its action is not on wall tension directly.

  • B. Systemic vasodilation

    Vasodilation would worsen bleeding.

  • C. Splanchnic vasoconstriction lowering portal inflow (correct)

    Correct. Reduced splanchnic inflow lowers portal pressure.

  • D. Increase in cardiac output

    It does not primarily raise cardiac output.

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.

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Questions about this Pharmacology question

What is the answer to this Pharmacology question?

The best answer is C, Splanchnic vasoconstriction lowering portal inflow. Octreotide inhibits release of vasodilator hormones such as glucagon and causes splanchnic vasoconstriction, reducing portal pressure.

Why is "Direct lowering of intravariceal wall tension" not the answer?

Its action is not on wall tension directly.

Why is "Systemic vasodilation" not the answer?

Vasodilation would worsen bleeding.

Why is "Increase in cardiac output" not the answer?

It does not primarily raise cardiac output.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Portal hypertension: octreotide in Pharmacology. It is also used in carcinoid syndrome and acromegaly.

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 Portal hypertension: octreotide?

Learn drugs as classes, then the exception in each class that an examiner would pick. Then use the flashcards and the other Pharmacology 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.