Preoperative assessment: predicted postoperative FEV1: 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 · Preoperative assessment: predicted postoperative FEV1

Sample item

A smoker is planned for lobectomy for lung cancer. Calculation from spirometry and perfusion scanning gives a predicted postoperative FEV1 of 25 percent of the normal value. How is this interpreted?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. High risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, needing further functional testing before surgery

A low predicted postoperative FEV1 signals a high risk of respiratory complications. Further tests such as the diffusing capacity and exercise testing with oxygen uptake guide the decision, and borderline patients may still be operated on after optimisation.

Option by option

  • A. A reason to postpone surgery for lung function to improve spontaneously within a few days

    Lung function does not recover in days, and delay does not solve the problem.

  • B. Low risk, so surgery can proceed without further assessment

    A value of 25 percent is well below the range accepted as low risk.

  • C. High risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, needing further functional testing before surgery (correct)

    Correct. A low predicted postoperative FEV1 prompts further risk stratification.

  • D. Evidence that the resection is absolutely contraindicated in all cases

    It is a warning for further assessment, not an absolute contraindication.

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, High risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, needing further functional testing before surgery. A low predicted postoperative FEV1 signals a high risk of respiratory complications.

Why is "A reason to postpone surgery for lung function to improve spontaneous…" not the answer?

Lung function does not recover in days, and delay does not solve the problem.

Why is "Low risk, so surgery can proceed without further assessment" not the answer?

A value of 25 percent is well below the range accepted as low risk.

Why is "Evidence that the resection is absolutely contraindicated in all cases" not the answer?

It is a warning for further assessment, not an absolute contraindication.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Preoperative assessment: predicted postoperative FEV1 in Anaesthesia. Further tests such as the diffusing capacity and exercise testing with oxygen uptake guide the decision, and borderline patients may still be operated on after optimisation.

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 Preoperative assessment: predicted postoperative FEV1?

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.