Equipment: paramagnetic oxygen analyser: 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 · Equipment: paramagnetic oxygen analyser

Sample item

On which principle does a paramagnetic oxygen analyser work?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Oxygen is attracted into a magnetic field

Oxygen is strongly paramagnetic, so it is drawn into a magnetic field and the resulting pressure difference is measured, giving a rapid breath-by-breath reading. Fuel cells and polarographic electrodes are electrochemical analysers. Infrared analysis is used for CO2 and volatile agents.

Option by option

  • A. Oxygen scatters light

    Scattering is used for other agents.

  • B. Oxygen conducts electricity

    Oxygen is not a conductor.

  • C. Oxygen absorbs infrared radiation

    Infrared absorption measures CO2 and agents.

  • D. Oxygen is attracted into a magnetic field (correct)

    Correct. Oxygen's paramagnetism is used for measurement.

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, Oxygen is attracted into a magnetic field. Oxygen is strongly paramagnetic, so it is drawn into a magnetic field and the resulting pressure difference is measured, giving a rapid breath-by-breath reading.

Why is "Oxygen scatters light" not the answer?

Scattering is used for other agents.

Why is "Oxygen conducts electricity" not the answer?

Oxygen is not a conductor.

Why is "Oxygen absorbs infrared radiation" not the answer?

Infrared absorption measures CO2 and agents.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Equipment: paramagnetic oxygen analyser in Anaesthesia. Fuel cells and polarographic electrodes are electrochemical analysers. Infrared analysis is used for CO2 and volatile agents.

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 Equipment: paramagnetic oxygen analyser?

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.