Transfusion: massive transfusion: 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 · Transfusion: massive transfusion

Sample item

Which complication of massive blood transfusion results from citrate in stored blood?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Hypocalcaemia

Citrate chelates ionised calcium, and when large volumes are infused rapidly or hepatic metabolism is impaired, ionised calcium falls, causing hypotension and arrhythmias. Hyperkalaemia and hypothermia are further complications.

Option by option

  • A. Hyperglycaemia

    Glucose is not the effect.

  • B. Hypernatraemia

    Sodium rises minimally.

  • C. Hypermagnesaemia

    Magnesium is not raised.

  • D. Hypocalcaemia (correct)

    Correct. Citrate binds calcium.

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, Hypocalcaemia. Citrate chelates ionised calcium, and when large volumes are infused rapidly or hepatic metabolism is impaired, ionised calcium falls, causing hypotension and arrhythmias.

Why is "Hyperglycaemia" not the answer?

Glucose is not the effect.

Why is "Hypernatraemia" not the answer?

Sodium rises minimally.

Why is "Hypermagnesaemia" not the answer?

Magnesium is not raised.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Transfusion: massive transfusion in Anaesthesia. Hyperkalaemia and hypothermia are further complications.

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 Transfusion: massive transfusion?

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.