ACLS: reversible causes: 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 · ACLS: reversible causes

Sample item

Which pair is listed among the reversible causes (Hs and Ts) of cardiac arrest?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Hypovolaemia and tension pneumothorax

The Hs are hypovolaemia, hypoxia, hydrogen ion (acidosis), hypo- or hyperkalaemia and hypothermia. The Ts are tension pneumothorax, tamponade, toxins and thrombosis (pulmonary or coronary).

Option by option

  • A. Hypertension and tachycardia

    Hypertension and tachycardia are not causes.

  • B. Hyperglycaemia and tonsillitis

    Hyperglycaemia is not a classical H, and tonsillitis is not a T.

  • C. Hypovolaemia and tension pneumothorax (correct)

    Correct. Both are standard reversible causes.

  • D. Hypernatraemia and tuberculosis

    These are not listed causes.

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 C, Hypovolaemia and tension pneumothorax. The Hs are hypovolaemia, hypoxia, hydrogen ion (acidosis), hypo- or hyperkalaemia and hypothermia.

Why is "Hypertension and tachycardia" not the answer?

Hypertension and tachycardia are not causes.

Why is "Hyperglycaemia and tonsillitis" not the answer?

Hyperglycaemia is not a classical H, and tonsillitis is not a T.

Why is "Hypernatraemia and tuberculosis" not the answer?

These are not listed causes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests ACLS: reversible causes in Anaesthesia. The Ts are tension pneumothorax, tamponade, toxins and thrombosis (pulmonary or coronary).

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 ACLS: reversible causes?

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.