Hypertensive disorders: antihypertensive choice: 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 · Hypertensive disorders: antihypertensive choice

Sample item

Which drug used in hypertensive emergencies is avoided in pregnancy except as a last resort because its metabolites cross the placenta and harm the fetus?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Sodium nitroprusside

Sodium nitroprusside releases cyanide, which can accumulate in the fetus, so it is reserved for refractory cases with brief use. Labetalol, hydralazine and nifedipine are the usual agents for severe hypertension in pregnancy.

Option by option

  • A. Intravenous labetalol

    Labetalol is a first-line drug in pregnancy.

  • B. Oral nifedipine

    Oral nifedipine is an accepted first-line option.

  • C. Sodium nitroprusside (correct)

    Correct. Its cyanide metabolites risk fetal toxicity.

  • D. Intravenous hydralazine

    Hydralazine is an accepted drug for acute severe hypertension.

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 OBG questions

Questions about this OBG question

What is the answer to this OBG question?

The best answer is C, Sodium nitroprusside. Sodium nitroprusside releases cyanide, which can accumulate in the fetus, so it is reserved for refractory cases with brief use.

Why is "Intravenous labetalol" not the answer?

Labetalol is a first-line drug in pregnancy.

Why is "Oral nifedipine" not the answer?

Oral nifedipine is an accepted first-line option.

Why is "Intravenous hydralazine" not the answer?

Hydralazine is an accepted drug for acute severe hypertension.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Hypertensive disorders: antihypertensive choice in OBG. Labetalol, hydralazine and nifedipine are the usual agents for severe hypertension in pregnancy.

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 Hypertensive disorders: antihypertensive choice?

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.