Special anaesthesia: phaeochromocytoma: 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: phaeochromocytoma

Sample item

In the preoperative preparation of a phaeochromocytoma, which sequence of blockade is correct?

ABeta blockade first, then alpha blockadeBAlpha blockade first, then beta blockadeCBeta blockade aloneDNo blockade is needed

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Alpha blockade first, then beta blockade

Phenoxybenzamine or doxazosin is started first to control vasoconstriction and allow volume expansion. Beta blockers are added later for tachycardia, because unopposed alpha stimulation from beta blockade alone can precipitate a hypertensive crisis.

Option by option

A. Beta blockade first, then alpha blockade
Beta first risks hypertensive crisis.
B. Alpha blockade first, then beta blockade (correct)
Correct. Alpha first.
C. Beta blockade alone
Beta blockade alone is dangerous.
D. No blockade is needed
Blockade is required to prevent crisis.

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.

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is B, Alpha blockade first, then beta blockade. Phenoxybenzamine or doxazosin is started first to control vasoconstriction and allow volume expansion.

Why is "Beta blockade first, then alpha blockade" not the answer?

Beta first risks hypertensive crisis.

Why is "Beta blockade alone" not the answer?

Beta blockade alone is dangerous.

Why is "No blockade is needed" not the answer?

Blockade is required to prevent crisis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Special anaesthesia: phaeochromocytoma in Anaesthesia. Beta blockers are added later for tachycardia, because unopposed alpha stimulation from beta blockade alone can precipitate a hypertensive crisis.

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: phaeochromocytoma?

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.