Complications: postoperative hypoxia: 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 · Complications: postoperative hypoxia

Sample item

What is the most common cause of hypoxaemia in the immediate postoperative period?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Atelectasis

General anaesthesia reduces FRC and causes airway closure and absorption collapse, particularly with high FiO2, producing shunt. Treatment is oxygen, deep breathing, early mobilisation and CPAP.

Option by option

  • A. Aspiration

    Aspiration is less common.

  • B. Pneumothorax

    Pneumothorax is less common.

  • C. Atelectasis (correct)

    Correct. Atelectasis is the most frequent cause.

  • D. Pulmonary embolism

    Pulmonary embolism is less frequent.

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, Atelectasis. General anaesthesia reduces FRC and causes airway closure and absorption collapse, particularly with high FiO2, producing shunt.

Why is "Aspiration" not the answer?

Aspiration is less common.

Why is "Pneumothorax" not the answer?

Pneumothorax is less common.

Why is "Pulmonary embolism" not the answer?

Pulmonary embolism is less frequent.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Complications: postoperative hypoxia in Anaesthesia. Treatment is oxygen, deep breathing, early mobilisation and CPAP.

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 Complications: postoperative hypoxia?

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.