Intravenous and inhalational agents: stages of 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.

Try it

Anaesthesia · Intravenous and inhalational agents: stages of anaesthesia

Sample item

During a mask induction with ether, a child becomes agitated, breathes irregularly with breath holding, has dilated pupils and roving eyeballs, and shows exaggerated reflexes. Which stage of Guedel's classification is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Stage 2, delirium

Stage 2 begins with loss of consciousness and is marked by disinhibited excitement, irregular breathing and a risk of laryngospasm and vomiting. It should be passed through quickly. Stage 1 is analgesia with consciousness retained, and stage 3 shows regular breathing and loss of reflexes.

Option by option

  • A. Stage 3, surgical anaesthesia

    In stage 3 breathing becomes regular and reflexes are lost.

  • B. Stage 2, delirium (correct)

    Correct. Excitement, irregular breathing and exaggerated reflexes mark stage 2.

  • C. Stage 1, analgesia

    In stage 1 the patient is conscious and drowsy, with analgesia but no agitation.

  • D. Stage 4, medullary paralysis

    Stage 4 is overdose with respiratory arrest and fixed dilated pupils.

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.

More Anaesthesia questions

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is B, Stage 2, delirium. Stage 2 begins with loss of consciousness and is marked by disinhibited excitement, irregular breathing and a risk of laryngospasm and vomiting.

Why is "Stage 3, surgical anaesthesia" not the answer?

In stage 3 breathing becomes regular and reflexes are lost.

Why is "Stage 1, analgesia" not the answer?

In stage 1 the patient is conscious and drowsy, with analgesia but no agitation.

Why is "Stage 4, medullary paralysis" not the answer?

Stage 4 is overdose with respiratory arrest and fixed dilated pupils.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Intravenous and inhalational agents: stages of anaesthesia in Anaesthesia. It should be passed through quickly. Stage 1 is analgesia with consciousness retained, and stage 3 shows regular breathing and loss of reflexes.

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 Intravenous and inhalational agents: stages of 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.