Airway complications: aspiration site: 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 · Airway complications: aspiration site

Sample item

In a supine patient, aspirated gastric contents most commonly lodge in which segment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Posterior segment of the right upper lobe or the superior segment of the right lower lobe

The right main bronchus is more vertical and wider, and in the supine position the posterior and superior segments are dependent, so these segments are the usual sites. In an upright patient the basal segments of the right lower lobe are affected.

Option by option

  • A. Posterior segment of the right upper lobe or the superior segment of the right lower lobe (correct)

    Correct. The dependent right-sided segments are typically involved.

  • B. Right middle lobe medial segment

    The right middle lobe is not the typical site in the supine position.

  • C. Anterior segment of the left upper lobe

    The anterior segment of the left upper lobe is non-dependent when supine.

  • D. Lingula

    The lingula is on the left and less commonly involved.

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 A, Posterior segment of the right upper lobe or the superior segment of the right lower lobe. The right main bronchus is more vertical and wider, and in the supine position the posterior and superior segments are dependent, so these segments are the usual sites.

Why is "Right middle lobe medial segment" not the answer?

The right middle lobe is not the typical site in the supine position.

Why is "Anterior segment of the left upper lobe" not the answer?

The anterior segment of the left upper lobe is non-dependent when supine.

Why is "Lingula" not the answer?

The lingula is on the left and less commonly involved.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Airway complications: aspiration site in Anaesthesia. In an upright patient the basal segments of the right lower lobe are affected.

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 Airway complications: aspiration site?

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.