Paediatric anaesthesia: Down syndrome: 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.

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Anaesthesia · Paediatric anaesthesia: Down syndrome

Sample item

Which airway-related problem is increased in a child with Down syndrome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Atlantoaxial instability and a narrow subglottic region

Children with Down syndrome have a relatively large tongue, a small subglottic diameter, hypotonia and atlantoaxial instability. The neck should be kept neutral and a smaller tube than expected may be needed. Congenital heart disease and sleep apnoea are also common.

Option by option

  • A. Absent risk of airway obstruction

    Obstruction is common because of hypotonia and a large tongue.

  • B. Microglossia

    The tongue is relatively large, not small.

  • C. Atlantoaxial instability and a narrow subglottic region (correct)

    Correct. Cervical instability and narrow subglottis are key features.

  • D. A large mouth opening that simplifies laryngoscopy

    Airway management is often more difficult, not easier.

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 Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is C, Atlantoaxial instability and a narrow subglottic region. Children with Down syndrome have a relatively large tongue, a small subglottic diameter, hypotonia and atlantoaxial instability.

Why is "Absent risk of airway obstruction" not the answer?

Obstruction is common because of hypotonia and a large tongue.

Why is "Microglossia" not the answer?

The tongue is relatively large, not small.

Why is "A large mouth opening that simplifies laryngoscopy" not the answer?

Airway management is often more difficult, not easier.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric anaesthesia: Down syndrome in Anaesthesia. The neck should be kept neutral and a smaller tube than expected may be needed. Congenital heart disease and sleep apnoea are also common.

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 Paediatric anaesthesia: Down syndrome?

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.