Obstetric anaesthesia: 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 · Obstetric anaesthesia

Sample item

Why is left uterine displacement used for a term pregnant patient undergoing caesarean delivery?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. To reduce aortocaval compression

The gravid uterus can compress the inferior vena cava and aorta when supine, reducing venous return and uteroplacental perfusion. Left tilt displaces the uterus away from these vessels.

Option by option

  • A. To reduce aortocaval compression (correct)

    Correct. Positioning improves maternal venous return and placental blood flow.

  • B. To increase aspiration risk

    Left tilt reduces rather than increases a major anaesthetic risk.

  • C. To prevent uterine atony

    Uterine tone is managed pharmacologically and surgically as needed.

  • D. To improve spinal-fluid production

    CSF production is not the purpose.

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.

More Anaesthesia questions

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is A, To reduce aortocaval compression. The gravid uterus can compress the inferior vena cava and aorta when supine, reducing venous return and uteroplacental perfusion.

Why is "To increase aspiration risk" not the answer?

Left tilt reduces rather than increases a major anaesthetic risk.

Why is "To prevent uterine atony" not the answer?

Uterine tone is managed pharmacologically and surgically as needed.

Why is "To improve spinal-fluid production" not the answer?

CSF production is not the purpose.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Obstetric anaesthesia in Anaesthesia. Left tilt displaces the uterus away from these vessels.

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 Obstetric anaesthesia?

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.