Mechanical ventilation: capnography: 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 · Mechanical ventilation: capnography

Sample item

A capnogram that abruptly becomes flat after intubation should first prompt assessment for what?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Disconnection or oesophageal intubation

Absent exhaled CO2 suggests circuit disconnection, apnoea or oesophageal intubation and requires immediate airway check.

Option by option

  • A. Bronchospasm only

    Bronchospasm alters the slope but usually does not flatten it.

  • B. Malignant hyperthermia

    Malignant hyperthermia raises CO2.

  • C. Disconnection or oesophageal intubation (correct)

    Correct. No CO2 is an airway/circuit emergency.

  • D. Hypermetabolism

    Hypermetabolism raises CO2.

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 C, Disconnection or oesophageal intubation. Absent exhaled CO2 suggests circuit disconnection, apnoea or oesophageal intubation and requires immediate airway check.

Why is "Bronchospasm only" not the answer?

Bronchospasm alters the slope but usually does not flatten it.

Why is "Malignant hyperthermia" not the answer?

Malignant hyperthermia raises CO2.

Why is "Hypermetabolism" not the answer?

Hypermetabolism raises CO2.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mechanical ventilation: capnography in Anaesthesia. The correct option holds because: Correct. No CO2 is an airway/circuit emergency.

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 Mechanical ventilation: capnography?

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.