Special anaesthesia: ECT: 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 · Special anaesthesia: ECT

Sample item

Which neuromuscular blocker and dose are used for electroconvulsive therapy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Low-dose suxamethonium (0.5 mg/kg) to modify the convulsion

Suxamethonium attenuates peripheral convulsions and protects against fractures. Anaesthesia is provided by a short-acting agent such as methohexital or propofol, and a cuff on one arm or leg shows seizure activity.

Option by option

  • A. Full-dose atracurium 0.5 mg/kg

    Atracurium would be too prolonged.

  • B. Low-dose suxamethonium (0.5 mg/kg) to modify the convulsion (correct)

    Correct. Suxamethonium modifies the convulsion.

  • C. Pancuronium 0.1 mg/kg

    Pancuronium would be too long acting.

  • D. No relaxant is used

    Unmodified seizures risk fractures.

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, Low-dose suxamethonium (0.5 mg/kg) to modify the convulsion. Suxamethonium attenuates peripheral convulsions and protects against fractures.

Why is "Full-dose atracurium 0.5 mg/kg" not the answer?

Atracurium would be too prolonged.

Why is "Pancuronium 0.1 mg/kg" not the answer?

Pancuronium would be too long acting.

Why is "No relaxant is used" not the answer?

Unmodified seizures risk fractures.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Special anaesthesia: ECT in Anaesthesia. Anaesthesia is provided by a short-acting agent such as methohexital or propofol, and a cuff on one arm or leg shows seizure activity.

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 Special anaesthesia: ECT?

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.