Labour: oxytocin: practice question

A OBG 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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OBG · Labour: oxytocin

Sample item

Which complication results from prolonged infusion of oxytocin in a large volume of electrolyte-free fluid?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Water intoxication with hyponatraemia

Oxytocin has an antidiuretic effect, so large volumes of dextrose solution can cause water intoxication, hyponatraemia, headache, vomiting and convulsions. Oxytocin has a half-life of about 3 to 5 minutes and is titrated to achieve 3 to 4 contractions per 10 minutes.

Option by option

  • A. Hypernatraemia

    Hypernatraemia would result from water loss.

  • B. Hyperkalaemia

    Hyperkalaemia is not a feature.

  • C. Water intoxication with hyponatraemia (correct)

    Correct. Antidiuretic action leads to dilutional hyponatraemia.

  • D. Hypercalcaemia

    Hypercalcaemia is not a feature.

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 OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is C, Water intoxication with hyponatraemia. Oxytocin has an antidiuretic effect, so large volumes of dextrose solution can cause water intoxication, hyponatraemia, headache, vomiting and convulsions.

Why is "Hypernatraemia" not the answer?

Hypernatraemia would result from water loss.

Why is "Hyperkalaemia" not the answer?

Hyperkalaemia is not a feature.

Why is "Hypercalcaemia" not the answer?

Hypercalcaemia is not a feature.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Labour: oxytocin in OBG. Oxytocin has a half-life of about 3 to 5 minutes and is titrated to achieve 3 to 4 contractions per 10 minutes.

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 Labour: oxytocin?

Learn management algorithms as steps: PPH, eclampsia, ectopic pregnancy. Then use the flashcards and the other OBG 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.