Hypertensive disorders: atenolol and fetal growth: practice question

A OBG 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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OBG · Hypertensive disorders: atenolol and fetal growth

Sample item

Prolonged use of which antihypertensive from early pregnancy has been linked with fetal growth restriction?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Atenolol

Atenolol started early and used for long has been associated with reduced birth weight and fetal growth restriction. Methyldopa, labetalol and nifedipine are the usual choices, and neonatal bradycardia and hypoglycaemia are also described with beta-blockers.

Option by option

  • A. Slow-release nifedipine

    Slow-release nifedipine is commonly used and is not associated with poor fetal growth.

  • B. Hydralazine

    Hydralazine is used mainly for acute control and is not a recognised cause of growth restriction.

  • C. Atenolol (correct)

    Correct. Atenolol is the beta-blocker linked with growth restriction.

  • D. Methyldopa

    Methyldopa is a long-established safe choice and is not linked with growth restriction.

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 OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is C, Atenolol. Atenolol started early and used for long has been associated with reduced birth weight and fetal growth restriction.

Why is "Slow-release nifedipine" not the answer?

Slow-release nifedipine is commonly used and is not associated with poor fetal growth.

Why is "Hydralazine" not the answer?

Hydralazine is used mainly for acute control and is not a recognised cause of growth restriction.

Why is "Methyldopa" not the answer?

Methyldopa is a long-established safe choice and is not linked with growth restriction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hypertensive disorders: atenolol and fetal growth in OBG. Methyldopa, labetalol and nifedipine are the usual choices, and neonatal bradycardia and hypoglycaemia are also described with beta-blockers.

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 Hypertensive disorders: atenolol and fetal growth?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG 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.