Inhalational agents: MAC values: 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 · Inhalational agents: MAC values

Sample item

Which inhalational agent has the highest MAC (lowest potency)?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Nitrous oxide

MAC of nitrous oxide is about 104%, desflurane about 6%, sevoflurane about 2%, isoflurane 1.15% and halothane 0.75%. A higher MAC means lower potency.

Option by option

  • A. Halothane

    Halothane is about 0.75%.

  • B. Nitrous oxide (correct)

    Correct. Nitrous oxide has MAC above 100%.

  • C. Sevoflurane

    Sevoflurane is about 2%.

  • D. Desflurane

    Desflurane is about 6%.

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, Nitrous oxide. MAC of nitrous oxide is about 104%, desflurane about 6%, sevoflurane about 2%, isoflurane 1.

Why is "Halothane" not the answer?

Halothane is about 0.75%.

Why is "Sevoflurane" not the answer?

Sevoflurane is about 2%.

Why is "Desflurane" not the answer?

Desflurane is about 6%.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inhalational agents: MAC values in Anaesthesia. 15% and halothane 0.75%. A higher MAC means lower potency.

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 Inhalational agents: MAC values?

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.