Spinal anaesthesia: baricity: 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 · Spinal anaesthesia: baricity

Sample item

Hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% is given in the sitting position. What does hyperbaric mean?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Density greater than that of cerebrospinal fluid

Hyperbaric solutions, usually made with 8% dextrose, are denser than CSF and spread to dependent regions under gravity. Positioning therefore determines the level of the block.

Option by option

  • A. Higher potency

    Potency is not baricity.

  • B. Density equal to CSF

    Equal density is isobaric.

  • C. Density greater than that of cerebrospinal fluid (correct)

    Correct. Baricity is the density relative to CSF.

  • D. Higher concentration

    Concentration is not baricity.

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, Density greater than that of cerebrospinal fluid. Hyperbaric solutions, usually made with 8% dextrose, are denser than CSF and spread to dependent regions under gravity.

Why is "Higher potency" not the answer?

Potency is not baricity.

Why is "Density equal to CSF" not the answer?

Equal density is isobaric.

Why is "Higher concentration" not the answer?

Concentration is not baricity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Spinal anaesthesia: baricity in Anaesthesia. Positioning therefore determines the level of the block.

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 Spinal anaesthesia: baricity?

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.