Aspiration prophylaxis: prokinetics: 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 · Aspiration prophylaxis: prokinetics

Sample item

How does metoclopramide help in a patient at risk of aspiration?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. It increases gastric emptying and raises lower oesophageal sphincter tone

Metoclopramide is a D2 antagonist and 5-HT4 agonist that speeds gastric emptying and increases lower oesophageal sphincter tone. It does not alter gastric acidity.

Option by option

  • A. It relaxes the pylorus by blocking H2 receptors

    H2 blockade is the mechanism of ranitidine, not metoclopramide.

  • B. It neutralises gastric acid

    Neutralising acid is the action of antacids.

  • C. It increases gastric emptying and raises lower oesophageal sphincter tone (correct)

    Correct. It is a prokinetic that tightens the lower oesophageal sphincter.

  • D. It lowers gastric acid secretion

    Acid reduction is the action of H2 blockers or PPIs.

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, It increases gastric emptying and raises lower oesophageal sphincter tone. Metoclopramide is a D2 antagonist and 5-HT4 agonist that speeds gastric emptying and increases lower oesophageal sphincter tone.

Why is "It relaxes the pylorus by blocking H2 receptors" not the answer?

H2 blockade is the mechanism of ranitidine, not metoclopramide.

Why is "It neutralises gastric acid" not the answer?

Neutralising acid is the action of antacids.

Why is "It lowers gastric acid secretion" not the answer?

Acid reduction is the action of H2 blockers or PPIs.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Aspiration prophylaxis: prokinetics in Anaesthesia. It does not alter gastric acidity.

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 Aspiration prophylaxis: prokinetics?

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.