Muscle relaxants: masseter spasm: 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 · Muscle relaxants: masseter spasm

Sample item

After suxamethonium a child shows jaw rigidity that makes laryngoscopy impossible. Which condition must be considered?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility

Masseter muscle rigidity after suxamethonium can be an early sign of malignant hyperthermia, so the trigger agents should be stopped and monitoring intensified. It is also seen in myotonic conditions.

Option by option

  • A. Hypoglycaemia

    Hypoglycaemia is not related.

  • B. Myasthenia gravis

    Myasthenia gives resistance to suxamethonium.

  • C. Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (correct)

    Correct. Masseter spasm may herald MH.

  • D. Hypocalcaemia

    Hypocalcaemia causes tetany but not isolated masseter spasm.

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 C, Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. Masseter muscle rigidity after suxamethonium can be an early sign of malignant hyperthermia, so the trigger agents should be stopped and monitoring intensified.

Why is "Hypoglycaemia" not the answer?

Hypoglycaemia is not related.

Why is "Myasthenia gravis" not the answer?

Myasthenia gives resistance to suxamethonium.

Why is "Hypocalcaemia" not the answer?

Hypocalcaemia causes tetany but not isolated masseter spasm.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Muscle relaxants: masseter spasm in Anaesthesia. It is also seen in myotonic conditions.

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 Muscle relaxants: masseter spasm?

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.