Complications: TURP syndrome: 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: TURP syndrome

Sample item

A patient undergoing TURP under spinal anaesthesia becomes confused, nauseated and complains of blurred vision. What is the most likely cause?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Absorption of glycine irrigation fluid causing hyponatraemia

Absorption of large volumes of hypotonic irrigant causes dilutional hyponatraemia, fluid overload and, with glycine, transient blindness and hyperammonaemia. Treatment is stopping surgery, loop diuretic and 3% saline for severe hyponatraemia.

Option by option

  • A. Hypoglycaemia

    Hypoglycaemia does not cause the visual disturbance.

  • B. Total spinal block

    Total spinal causes respiratory arrest.

  • C. Absorption of glycine irrigation fluid causing hyponatraemia (correct)

    Correct. Irrigant absorption causes TURP syndrome.

  • D. Anaphylaxis to latex

    Anaphylaxis presents with rash and bronchospasm.

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, Absorption of glycine irrigation fluid causing hyponatraemia. Absorption of large volumes of hypotonic irrigant causes dilutional hyponatraemia, fluid overload and, with glycine, transient blindness and hyperammonaemia.

Why is "Hypoglycaemia" not the answer?

Hypoglycaemia does not cause the visual disturbance.

Why is "Total spinal block" not the answer?

Total spinal causes respiratory arrest.

Why is "Anaphylaxis to latex" not the answer?

Anaphylaxis presents with rash and bronchospasm.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Complications: TURP syndrome in Anaesthesia. Treatment is stopping surgery, loop diuretic and 3% saline for severe hyponatraemia.

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: TURP syndrome?

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.