Intravenous and inhalational agents: burst suppression on EEG: 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 · Intravenous and inhalational agents: burst suppression on EEG

Sample item

During deep propofol anaesthesia for neurosurgery, the processed EEG shows periods of high-voltage activity alternating with flat isoelectric segments. What is this pattern called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Burst suppression

Burst suppression appears at deep anaesthesia with propofol, barbiturates or volatile agents, and reflects a marked reduction in cerebral metabolic rate. It is sometimes deliberately induced for cerebral protection and is a sign of excessive depth in routine cases.

Option by option

  • A. Spike and wave pattern

    Spike and wave is the seizure pattern.

  • B. Burst suppression (correct)

    Correct. Alternating bursts and flat periods define burst suppression.

  • C. K complexes

    K complexes are sleep spindle-related waveforms.

  • D. Delta rhythm

    Delta rhythm is continuous slow activity, not interrupted by isoelectric segments.

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 B, Burst suppression. Burst suppression appears at deep anaesthesia with propofol, barbiturates or volatile agents, and reflects a marked reduction in cerebral metabolic rate.

Why is "Spike and wave pattern" not the answer?

Spike and wave is the seizure pattern.

Why is "K complexes" not the answer?

K complexes are sleep spindle-related waveforms.

Why is "Delta rhythm" not the answer?

Delta rhythm is continuous slow activity, not interrupted by isoelectric segments.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Intravenous and inhalational agents: burst suppression on EEG in Anaesthesia. It is sometimes deliberately induced for cerebral protection and is a sign of excessive depth in routine cases.

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 Intravenous and inhalational agents: burst suppression on EEG?

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.