Inhalational agents: sevoflurane degradation: 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: sevoflurane degradation

Sample item

Which product formed by sevoflurane in contact with soda lime at low fresh gas flows is nephrotoxic in rats?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Compound A

Sevoflurane breaks down with strong bases to compound A (a vinyl ether), which is nephrotoxic in rats, though human harm has not been shown. A minimum fresh gas flow of 1 to 2 L/min is recommended.

Option by option

  • A. Carbon monoxide

    Carbon monoxide forms from desflurane and dry absorbent.

  • B. Compound A (correct)

    Correct. Compound A is the degradation product.

  • C. Phosgene

    Phosgene forms from trichloroethylene and soda lime.

  • D. Trifluoroacetic acid

    Trifluoroacetic acid is a halothane metabolite.

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 B, Compound A. Sevoflurane breaks down with strong bases to compound A (a vinyl ether), which is nephrotoxic in rats, though human harm has not been shown.

Why is "Carbon monoxide" not the answer?

Carbon monoxide forms from desflurane and dry absorbent.

Why is "Phosgene" not the answer?

Phosgene forms from trichloroethylene and soda lime.

Why is "Trifluoroacetic acid" not the answer?

Trifluoroacetic acid is a halothane metabolite.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inhalational agents: sevoflurane degradation in Anaesthesia. A minimum fresh gas flow of 1 to 2 L/min is recommended.

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 Inhalational agents: sevoflurane degradation?

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.