Complications: malignant hyperthermia mechanism: 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 · Complications: malignant hyperthermia mechanism

Sample item

Dantrolene treats malignant hyperthermia by acting on which structure?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Ryanodine receptor (RyR1) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Dantrolene inhibits RyR1 and reduces calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which is the cause of uncontrolled muscle hypermetabolism. The initial dose is 2.5 mg/kg intravenously, repeated to effect up to 10 mg/kg.

Option by option

  • A. Dihydropyridine receptor

    The dihydropyridine receptor is the voltage sensor and is not the target.

  • B. Nicotinic receptor at the motor end plate

    Nicotinic receptors are blocked by neuromuscular blockers.

  • C. Ryanodine receptor (RyR1) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (correct)

    Correct. Dantrolene blocks the ryanodine receptor.

  • D. Sodium channel of the sarcolemma

    Sodium channels are blocked by local anaesthetics.

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, Ryanodine receptor (RyR1) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Dantrolene inhibits RyR1 and reduces calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which is the cause of uncontrolled muscle hypermetabolism.

Why is "Dihydropyridine receptor" not the answer?

The dihydropyridine receptor is the voltage sensor and is not the target.

Why is "Nicotinic receptor at the motor end plate" not the answer?

Nicotinic receptors are blocked by neuromuscular blockers.

Why is "Sodium channel of the sarcolemma" not the answer?

Sodium channels are blocked by local anaesthetics.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Complications: malignant hyperthermia mechanism in Anaesthesia. The initial dose is 2.5 mg/kg intravenously, repeated to effect up to 10 mg/kg.

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 Complications: malignant hyperthermia mechanism?

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.