Intravenous agents: redistribution: 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 agents: redistribution

Sample item

Why is the clinical effect of a single induction dose of thiopentone short-lived?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Redistribution from brain to muscle and then fat

Thiopentone is highly lipid soluble, enters the brain in one arm-brain circulation time, and then redistributes to muscle and later fat, so the brain level falls quickly. Its elimination half-life is long, so repeated doses accumulate.

Option by option

  • A. Rapid renal excretion

    Renal excretion of thiopentone is minimal.

  • B. Binding to plasma esterases

    Plasma esterases do not metabolise thiopentone.

  • C. Rapid hepatic metabolism within minutes

    Hepatic metabolism is slow and not the cause of awakening.

  • D. Redistribution from brain to muscle and then fat (correct)

    Correct. Redistribution ends the effect.

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 D, Redistribution from brain to muscle and then fat. Thiopentone is highly lipid soluble, enters the brain in one arm-brain circulation time, and then redistributes to muscle and later fat, so the brain level falls quickly.

Why is "Rapid renal excretion" not the answer?

Renal excretion of thiopentone is minimal.

Why is "Binding to plasma esterases" not the answer?

Plasma esterases do not metabolise thiopentone.

Why is "Rapid hepatic metabolism within minutes" not the answer?

Hepatic metabolism is slow and not the cause of awakening.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Intravenous agents: redistribution in Anaesthesia. Its elimination half-life is long, so repeated doses accumulate.

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: redistribution?

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.