Intravenous agents: etomidate: 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.

Try it

Anaesthesia · Intravenous agents: etomidate

Sample item

Which adverse effect of a single dose of etomidate is of concern in septic shock?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Adrenocortical suppression via 11-beta-hydroxylase inhibition

Etomidate inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxylase and temporarily lowers cortisol synthesis. It is otherwise valued for its haemodynamic stability.

Option by option

  • A. Adrenocortical suppression via 11-beta-hydroxylase inhibition (correct)

    Correct. It suppresses cortisol synthesis.

  • B. Prolonged apnoea

    Apnoea is brief and less than with propofol.

  • C. Histamine release

    Histamine release is not typical for etomidate.

  • D. Severe hypotension

    Etomidate is notable for cardiovascular stability.

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 Anaesthesia questions

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is A, Adrenocortical suppression via 11-beta-hydroxylase inhibition. Etomidate inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxylase and temporarily lowers cortisol synthesis.

Why is "Prolonged apnoea" not the answer?

Apnoea is brief and less than with propofol.

Why is "Histamine release" not the answer?

Histamine release is not typical for etomidate.

Why is "Severe hypotension" not the answer?

Etomidate is notable for cardiovascular stability.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Intravenous agents: etomidate in Anaesthesia. It is otherwise valued for its haemodynamic stability.

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 agents: etomidate?

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.