Volatile agents: MAC: 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 · Volatile agents: MAC

Sample item

What does a lower minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of an inhaled anaesthetic indicate?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Greater anaesthetic potency

MAC is the alveolar concentration preventing movement in 50% of patients exposed to surgical stimulus. Potency is inversely related to MAC.

Option by option

  • A. Higher blood-gas solubility necessarily

    Solubility and MAC describe different pharmacologic properties.

  • B. Slower onset only

    Onset relates more closely to blood-gas solubility.

  • C. Greater anaesthetic potency (correct)

    Correct. Less agent needed at equilibrium means greater potency.

  • D. More analgesia without hypnosis

    MAC measures immobility, not a separate analgesia-to-hypnosis ratio.

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, Greater anaesthetic potency. MAC is the alveolar concentration preventing movement in 50% of patients exposed to surgical stimulus.

Why is "Higher blood-gas solubility necessarily" not the answer?

Solubility and MAC describe different pharmacologic properties.

Why is "Slower onset only" not the answer?

Onset relates more closely to blood-gas solubility.

Why is "More analgesia without hypnosis" not the answer?

MAC measures immobility, not a separate analgesia-to-hypnosis ratio.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Volatile agents: MAC in Anaesthesia. Potency is inversely related to MAC.

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 Volatile agents: MAC?

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.