Complications: malignant hyperthermia first sign: 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 first sign

Sample item

Which is the earliest and most sensitive sign of malignant hyperthermia under general anaesthesia?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Unexplained rise in end-tidal CO2 with tachycardia

Hypermetabolism raises CO2 production, so unexplained hypercapnia despite increased ventilation with tachycardia and masseter rigidity is the earliest sign. Hyperthermia is a late sign.

Option by option

  • A. Hypokalaemia

    Hyperkalaemia, not hypokalaemia, develops.

  • B. Unexplained rise in end-tidal CO2 with tachycardia (correct)

    Correct. Rising EtCO2 is the earliest sign.

  • C. Bradycardia

    Tachycardia, not bradycardia, is seen.

  • D. Fever above 40 degrees C

    High temperature is a late sign.

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, Unexplained rise in end-tidal CO2 with tachycardia. Hypermetabolism raises CO2 production, so unexplained hypercapnia despite increased ventilation with tachycardia and masseter rigidity is the earliest sign.

Why is "Hypokalaemia" not the answer?

Hyperkalaemia, not hypokalaemia, develops.

Why is "Bradycardia" not the answer?

Tachycardia, not bradycardia, is seen.

Why is "Fever above 40 degrees C" not the answer?

High temperature is a late sign.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Complications: malignant hyperthermia first sign in Anaesthesia. Hyperthermia is a late sign.

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 first sign?

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.