Endocrine surgery: pheochromocytoma: practice question

A General Surgery 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

General Surgery · Endocrine surgery: pheochromocytoma

Sample item

Before adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, which preoperative medication sequence is essential?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Alpha blockade before adding beta blockade if needed

Alpha blockade is initiated first to prevent catecholamine-mediated vasoconstriction during tumor manipulation; beta blockade can then control tachyarrhythmia after adequate alpha blockade. Reversing the sequence risks unopposed alpha vasoconstriction.

Option by option

  • A. No preoperative blood-pressure control

    Blood-pressure optimization is essential before surgery.

  • B. Immediate diuretic only

    Diuretics do not address catecholamine surges.

  • C. Alpha blockade before adding beta blockade if needed (correct)

    Correct. Alpha blockade must precede beta blockade.

  • D. Beta blockade first without alpha blockade

    Beta blockade first can cause severe hypertension from unopposed alpha stimulation.

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 General Surgery questions

Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is C, Alpha blockade before adding beta blockade if needed. Alpha blockade is initiated first to prevent catecholamine-mediated vasoconstriction during tumor manipulation; beta blockade can then control tachyarrhythmia after adequate alpha blockade.

Why is "No preoperative blood-pressure control" not the answer?

Blood-pressure optimization is essential before surgery.

Why is "Immediate diuretic only" not the answer?

Diuretics do not address catecholamine surges.

Why is "Beta blockade first without alpha blockade" not the answer?

Beta blockade first can cause severe hypertension from unopposed alpha stimulation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine surgery: pheochromocytoma in General Surgery. Reversing the sequence risks unopposed alpha vasoconstriction.

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 Endocrine surgery: pheochromocytoma?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery 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.