Neuromuscular monitoring: post-tetanic count: 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: post-tetanic count

Sample item

When is post-tetanic count (PTC) used?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. To assess very deep block when no response to train-of-four is present

In deep block there is no TOF response, so a 5-second tetanus at 50 Hz is applied and single twitches at 1 Hz are counted. The count predicts the time to return of the first TOF twitch.

Option by option

  • A. To detect malignant hyperthermia

    PTC does not detect MH.

  • B. To assess recovery from mild block

    Mild block is assessed with TOF ratio.

  • C. To test baseline muscle strength

    Baseline strength is assessed before relaxant.

  • D. To assess very deep block when no response to train-of-four is present (correct)

    Correct. PTC quantifies deep block.

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, To assess very deep block when no response to train-of-four is present. In deep block there is no TOF response, so a 5-second tetanus at 50 Hz is applied and single twitches at 1 Hz are counted.

Why is "To detect malignant hyperthermia" not the answer?

PTC does not detect MH.

Why is "To assess recovery from mild block" not the answer?

Mild block is assessed with TOF ratio.

Why is "To test baseline muscle strength" not the answer?

Baseline strength is assessed before relaxant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuromuscular monitoring: post-tetanic count in Anaesthesia. The count predicts the time to return of the first TOF twitch.

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 Neuromuscular monitoring: post-tetanic count?

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.