Complications: geriatric anaesthesia: 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: geriatric anaesthesia

Sample item

Which postoperative complication is notably more frequent in elderly patients after general anaesthesia?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction and delirium

Reduced cerebral reserve, polypharmacy, pain and hospitalisation predispose to delirium. Avoiding benzodiazepines and anticholinergics, treating pain and maintaining sleep help to prevent it.

Option by option

  • A. Anaphylaxis

    Anaphylaxis is not more common with age.

  • B. Awake paralysis

    Awake paralysis is not age-related.

  • C. Malignant hyperthermia

    MH is not related to age.

  • D. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction and delirium (correct)

    Correct. Delirium and cognitive dysfunction are common.

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 D, Postoperative cognitive dysfunction and delirium. Reduced cerebral reserve, polypharmacy, pain and hospitalisation predispose to delirium.

Why is "Anaphylaxis" not the answer?

Anaphylaxis is not more common with age.

Why is "Awake paralysis" not the answer?

Awake paralysis is not age-related.

Why is "Malignant hyperthermia" not the answer?

MH is not related to age.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Complications: geriatric anaesthesia in Anaesthesia. Avoiding benzodiazepines and anticholinergics, treating pain and maintaining sleep help to prevent it.

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: geriatric anaesthesia?

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.