Complications and emergencies: amniotic fluid embolism: 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 and emergencies: amniotic fluid embolism

Sample item

During labour a woman suddenly becomes breathless and hypotensive, has a seizure and then bleeds from intravenous sites. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Amniotic fluid embolism

Amniotic fluid embolism produces abrupt hypoxia, cardiovascular collapse and a consumptive coagulopathy during labour or soon after delivery. Pulmonary embolism does not usually cause DIC. Treatment is resuscitation, oxygen and blood products.

Option by option

  • A. Pulmonary thromboembolism

    Pulmonary thromboembolism does not typically cause DIC.

  • B. Amniotic fluid embolism (correct)

    Correct. Collapse with coagulopathy during labour defines it.

  • C. Eclampsia

    Eclampsia causes hypertension and seizure but not sudden collapse with bleeding.

  • D. Local anaesthetic toxicity

    Local anaesthetic toxicity does not cause consumptive coagulopathy.

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, Amniotic fluid embolism. Amniotic fluid embolism produces abrupt hypoxia, cardiovascular collapse and a consumptive coagulopathy during labour or soon after delivery.

Why is "Pulmonary thromboembolism" not the answer?

Pulmonary thromboembolism does not typically cause DIC.

Why is "Eclampsia" not the answer?

Eclampsia causes hypertension and seizure but not sudden collapse with bleeding.

Why is "Local anaesthetic toxicity" not the answer?

Local anaesthetic toxicity does not cause consumptive coagulopathy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Complications and emergencies: amniotic fluid embolism in Anaesthesia. Pulmonary embolism does not usually cause DIC. Treatment is resuscitation, oxygen and blood products.

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 Complications and emergencies: amniotic fluid embolism?

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.