Transplantation: brainstem death testing: practice question

A General Surgery 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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General Surgery · Transplantation: brainstem death testing

Sample item

Before declaring brainstem death in a potential organ donor, which condition must be excluded?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hypothermia and sedative drug effect

Reversible causes of coma such as hypothermia, sedatives, neuromuscular blockers and metabolic derangements must be excluded before testing. Brainstem reflexes are tested and an apnoea test requires PaCO2 to rise above 60 mmHg without respiratory effort. The tests are performed by a board of doctors, as required in India under the THOA.

Option by option

  • A. Hypothermia and sedative drug effect (correct)

    Correct. Reversible causes must be excluded.

  • B. Leucocytosis

    Leucocytosis is not relevant.

  • C. Hypertension

    Hypertension does not invalidate testing.

  • D. Anaemia

    Anaemia is not a confounder.

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 General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is A, Hypothermia and sedative drug effect. Reversible causes of coma such as hypothermia, sedatives, neuromuscular blockers and metabolic derangements must be excluded before testing.

Why is "Leucocytosis" not the answer?

Leucocytosis is not relevant.

Why is "Hypertension" not the answer?

Hypertension does not invalidate testing.

Why is "Anaemia" not the answer?

Anaemia is not a confounder.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Transplantation: brainstem death testing in General Surgery. Brainstem reflexes are tested and an apnoea test requires PaCO2 to rise above 60 mmHg without respiratory effort. The tests are performed by a board of doctors, as required in India under the THOA.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Transplantation: brainstem death testing?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery 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.