Critical care: oxygen toxicity: 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 · Critical care: oxygen toxicity

Sample item

Which problem is associated with prolonged exposure to a high FiO2?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Absorption atelectasis and oxygen toxicity of the lung

High inspired oxygen washes out nitrogen, which allows absorption atelectasis, and prolonged exposure to FiO2 above about 0.6 causes free radical injury with tracheobronchitis and diffuse alveolar damage. The lowest FiO2 that achieves target saturation is used. Retinopathy of prematurity is a concern in preterm infants.

Option by option

  • A. Hypercarbia from increased dead space only

    Dead space is not the main problem.

  • B. Pulmonary hypertension only

    Pulmonary hypertension is not the characteristic complication.

  • C. Improved lung compliance

    Compliance worsens rather than improves.

  • D. Absorption atelectasis and oxygen toxicity of the lung (correct)

    Correct. Atelectasis and pulmonary oxygen toxicity occur.

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 D, Absorption atelectasis and oxygen toxicity of the lung. High inspired oxygen washes out nitrogen, which allows absorption atelectasis, and prolonged exposure to FiO2 above about 0.

Why is "Hypercarbia from increased dead space only" not the answer?

Dead space is not the main problem.

Why is "Pulmonary hypertension only" not the answer?

Pulmonary hypertension is not the characteristic complication.

Why is "Improved lung compliance" not the answer?

Compliance worsens rather than improves.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Critical care: oxygen toxicity in Anaesthesia. 6 causes free radical injury with tracheobronchitis and diffuse alveolar damage. The lowest FiO2 that achieves target saturation is used. Retinopathy of prematurity is a concern in preterm infants.

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 Critical care: oxygen toxicity?

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.