Endocrinology: myxedema coma: practice question

A General Medicine 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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General Medicine · Endocrinology: myxedema coma

Sample item

An older patient with longstanding hypothyroidism presents with hypothermia, bradycardia, hypoventilation, hyponatremia, and reduced consciousness. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Myxedema coma

Myxedema coma is severe decompensated hypothyroidism with altered consciousness, hypothermia, bradycardia, and hypoventilation. It requires intensive supportive care and thyroid hormone replacement.

Option by option

  • A. Myxedema coma (correct)

    Correct. This is the characteristic life-threatening hypothyroid presentation.

  • B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

    NMS causes hyperthermia and lead-pipe rigidity after dopamine blockade.

  • C. Serotonin syndrome

    Serotonin syndrome causes clonus and hyperreflexia.

  • D. Thyroid storm

    Thyroid storm produces hypermetabolic features.

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 General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is A, Myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is severe decompensated hypothyroidism with altered consciousness, hypothermia, bradycardia, and hypoventilation.

Why is "Neuroleptic malignant syndrome" not the answer?

NMS causes hyperthermia and lead-pipe rigidity after dopamine blockade.

Why is "Serotonin syndrome" not the answer?

Serotonin syndrome causes clonus and hyperreflexia.

Why is "Thyroid storm" not the answer?

Thyroid storm produces hypermetabolic features.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrinology: myxedema coma in General Medicine. It requires intensive supportive care and thyroid hormone replacement.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Endocrinology: myxedema coma?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine 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.