Complications: laparoscopy: 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.

Try it

Anaesthesia · Complications: laparoscopy

Sample item

A bradycardia occurs when the peritoneum is insufflated with carbon dioxide at the start of laparoscopic surgery. What is the best first step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Stop insufflation, release pneumoperitoneum and give atropine if it persists

Peritoneal stretch causes a vagal reflex which may produce bradycardia or asystole, so stopping insufflation usually restores rate. Atropine is given if rate does not recover.

Option by option

  • A. Give neostigmine

    Neostigmine increases vagal tone.

  • B. Stop insufflation, release pneumoperitoneum and give atropine if it persists (correct)

    Correct. Remove the stimulus and treat with atropine.

  • C. Give a beta blocker

    Beta blockers worsen bradycardia.

  • D. Increase the insufflation pressure

    Higher pressure worsens vagal stimulation.

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.

More Anaesthesia questions

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is B, Stop insufflation, release pneumoperitoneum and give atropine if it persists. Peritoneal stretch causes a vagal reflex which may produce bradycardia or asystole, so stopping insufflation usually restores rate.

Why is "Give neostigmine" not the answer?

Neostigmine increases vagal tone.

Why is "Give a beta blocker" not the answer?

Beta blockers worsen bradycardia.

Why is "Increase the insufflation pressure" not the answer?

Higher pressure worsens vagal stimulation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Complications: laparoscopy in Anaesthesia. Atropine is given if rate does not recover.

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: laparoscopy?

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.