Respiratory physiology and ventilation: curriculum recognition: 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 · Respiratory physiology and ventilation: curriculum recognition

Sample item

Which of these operations carries the highest risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, because of diaphragmatic dysfunction and pain-limited breathing?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Upper abdominal surgery

Surgery near the diaphragm, especially upper abdominal incisions, reduces vital capacity and cough and promotes atelectasis. Peripheral and superficial operations carry little respiratory risk. Good analgesia, early mobilisation and lung expansion reduce the risk.

Option by option

  • A. Inguinal hernia repair

    Hernia repair is a lower abdominal procedure with a lower risk.

  • B. Cataract surgery

    Cataract surgery is usually under local anaesthesia and carries minimal risk.

  • C. Knee arthroscopy

    Knee arthroscopy does not affect respiratory mechanics.

  • D. Upper abdominal surgery (correct)

    Correct. Upper abdominal incisions impair diaphragmatic function and deep breathing.

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, Upper abdominal surgery. Surgery near the diaphragm, especially upper abdominal incisions, reduces vital capacity and cough and promotes atelectasis.

Why is "Inguinal hernia repair" not the answer?

Hernia repair is a lower abdominal procedure with a lower risk.

Why is "Cataract surgery" not the answer?

Cataract surgery is usually under local anaesthesia and carries minimal risk.

Why is "Knee arthroscopy" not the answer?

Knee arthroscopy does not affect respiratory mechanics.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Respiratory physiology and ventilation: curriculum recognition in Anaesthesia. Peripheral and superficial operations carry little respiratory risk. Good analgesia, early mobilisation and lung expansion reduce the risk.

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 Respiratory physiology and ventilation: curriculum recognition?

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.