Neuromuscular monitoring: patterns of block: 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 · Neuromuscular monitoring: patterns of block

Sample item

A non-depolarising block is characterised by which findings on peripheral nerve stimulation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Fade on train-of-four and tetanus, with post-tetanic potentiation

Non-depolarisers reduce prejunctional acetylcholine mobilisation, so there is fade with repetitive stimulation, followed by post-tetanic facilitation. A depolarising phase I block shows reduced twitches without fade.

Option by option

  • A. No fade and decreased twitch height equally

    Equal reduction without fade is the phase I depolarising pattern.

  • B. Fade on train-of-four and tetanus, with post-tetanic potentiation (correct)

    Correct. Fade and post-tetanic potentiation are typical.

  • C. Increased twitch height

    Twitch height decreases, not increases.

  • D. Fasciculations

    Fasciculations are a feature of depolarising drugs.

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, Fade on train-of-four and tetanus, with post-tetanic potentiation. Non-depolarisers reduce prejunctional acetylcholine mobilisation, so there is fade with repetitive stimulation, followed by post-tetanic facilitation.

Why is "No fade and decreased twitch height equally" not the answer?

Equal reduction without fade is the phase I depolarising pattern.

Why is "Increased twitch height" not the answer?

Twitch height decreases, not increases.

Why is "Fasciculations" not the answer?

Fasciculations are a feature of depolarising drugs.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuromuscular monitoring: patterns of block in Anaesthesia. A depolarising phase I block shows reduced twitches without fade.

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 Neuromuscular monitoring: patterns of block?

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.