Fluids: hydroxyethyl starch: 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 · Fluids: hydroxyethyl starch

Sample item

Why is the use of hydroxyethyl starch solutions restricted in critically ill patients?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Association with acute kidney injury and coagulopathy

Trials in sepsis showed more renal replacement therapy and mortality with starches, and they impair factor VIII and platelet function. Regulators restrict their use.

Option by option

  • A. Association with acute kidney injury and coagulopathy (correct)

    Correct. Renal injury and coagulopathy are the concerns.

  • B. Pulmonary fibrosis

    Pulmonary fibrosis is not a feature.

  • C. Severe hypokalaemia

    Hypokalaemia is not typical.

  • D. Rapid hepatic failure only

    Hepatic failure is not the main concern.

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, Association with acute kidney injury and coagulopathy. Trials in sepsis showed more renal replacement therapy and mortality with starches, and they impair factor VIII and platelet function.

Why is "Pulmonary fibrosis" not the answer?

Pulmonary fibrosis is not a feature.

Why is "Severe hypokalaemia" not the answer?

Hypokalaemia is not typical.

Why is "Rapid hepatic failure only" not the answer?

Hepatic failure is not the main concern.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Fluids: hydroxyethyl starch in Anaesthesia. Regulators restrict their use.

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 Fluids: hydroxyethyl starch?

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.