Monitoring: arterial waveform: 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 · Monitoring: arterial waveform

Sample item

What does the dicrotic notch on an arterial pressure waveform represent?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Closure of the aortic valve

The brief rise after the notch is the rebound from closure of the aortic valve and elastic recoil of the aorta. It occurs at the start of diastole.

Option by option

  • A. Opening of the aortic valve

    Aortic valve opening is the start of the upstroke.

  • B. Mitral valve closure

    Mitral valve closure is not visible on the arterial trace.

  • C. Closure of the aortic valve (correct)

    Correct. The notch marks aortic valve closure.

  • D. Atrial contraction

    Atrial contraction gives the a wave in the venous trace.

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, Closure of the aortic valve. The brief rise after the notch is the rebound from closure of the aortic valve and elastic recoil of the aorta.

Why is "Opening of the aortic valve" not the answer?

Aortic valve opening is the start of the upstroke.

Why is "Mitral valve closure" not the answer?

Mitral valve closure is not visible on the arterial trace.

Why is "Atrial contraction" not the answer?

Atrial contraction gives the a wave in the venous trace.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Monitoring: arterial waveform in Anaesthesia. It occurs at the start of diastole.

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 Monitoring: arterial waveform?

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.