Induction agents: etomidate: 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 · Induction agents: etomidate

Sample item

Which adverse effect is associated with etomidate, particularly after repeated exposure?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Adrenal steroid synthesis suppression

Etomidate inhibits 11-beta-hydroxylase and can suppress adrenal steroid production. It is otherwise valued for relative cardiovascular stability during induction.

Option by option

  • A. Histamine-mediated bronchospasm only

    Bronchospasm is not its defining toxicity.

  • B. Adrenal steroid synthesis suppression (correct)

    Correct. Enzyme inhibition explains transient adrenal suppression.

  • C. Irreversible renal failure

    Irreversible renal failure is not the expected adverse effect.

  • D. Malignant hyperthermia prevention

    Etomidate does not prevent malignant hyperthermia.

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 B, Adrenal steroid synthesis suppression. Etomidate inhibits 11-beta-hydroxylase and can suppress adrenal steroid production.

Why is "Histamine-mediated bronchospasm only" not the answer?

Bronchospasm is not its defining toxicity.

Why is "Irreversible renal failure" not the answer?

Irreversible renal failure is not the expected adverse effect.

Why is "Malignant hyperthermia prevention" not the answer?

Etomidate does not prevent malignant hyperthermia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Induction agents: etomidate in Anaesthesia. It is otherwise valued for relative cardiovascular stability during induction.

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 Induction agents: etomidate?

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.