Inhalational agents: Meyer-Overton: 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 · Inhalational agents: Meyer-Overton

Sample item

The Meyer-Overton hypothesis states that anaesthetic potency is directly related to what property?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Lipid solubility

Potency (inverse of MAC) correlates with the oil-gas partition coefficient, suggesting a site of action in lipid-like regions. Exceptions such as the cut-off effect show that proteins are the actual targets.

Option by option

  • A. Lipid solubility (correct)

    Correct. Lipid solubility correlates with potency.

  • B. Blood solubility

    Blood solubility decides speed of induction, not potency.

  • C. Molecular weight

    Molecular weight is not the determinant.

  • D. Vapour pressure

    Vapour pressure determines vaporiser output.

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 A, Lipid solubility. Potency (inverse of MAC) correlates with the oil-gas partition coefficient, suggesting a site of action in lipid-like regions.

Why is "Blood solubility" not the answer?

Blood solubility decides speed of induction, not potency.

Why is "Molecular weight" not the answer?

Molecular weight is not the determinant.

Why is "Vapour pressure" not the answer?

Vapour pressure determines vaporiser output.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inhalational agents: Meyer-Overton in Anaesthesia. Exceptions such as the cut-off effect show that proteins are the actual targets.

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 Inhalational agents: Meyer-Overton?

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.