Analgesia: opioids: 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.

Try it

Anaesthesia · Analgesia: opioids

Sample item

Which opioid adverse effect is most dangerous after surgery and requires close monitoring?

APruritusBMiosisCRespiratory depressionDConstipation

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Respiratory depression

Opioids depress brainstem respiratory drive, especially with sedatives, sleep apnoea or renal impairment. Sedation often precedes dangerous hypoventilation.

Option by option

A. Pruritus
Pruritus is uncomfortable but less dangerous than respiratory depression.
B. Miosis
Miosis is common but not usually the life-threatening effect.
C. Respiratory depression (correct)
Correct. Hypoventilation can rapidly become fatal.
D. Constipation
Constipation is important but typically not acutely fatal.

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.

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is C, Respiratory depression. Opioids depress brainstem respiratory drive, especially with sedatives, sleep apnoea or renal impairment.

Why is "Pruritus" not the answer?

Pruritus is uncomfortable but less dangerous than respiratory depression.

Why is "Miosis" not the answer?

Miosis is common but not usually the life-threatening effect.

Why is "Constipation" not the answer?

Constipation is important but typically not acutely fatal.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Analgesia: opioids in Anaesthesia. Sedation often precedes dangerous hypoventilation.

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 Analgesia: opioids?

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.