Obstetrics Anesthesia MCQs

Which physiological change in pregnancy most significantly affects the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of volatile anesthetics?

• Increased cardiac output

• Decreased functional residual capacity

• Increased progesterone levels

• Decreased plasma protein binding

What is the most common neuraxial technique used for labor analgesia in advanced labor due to its rapid onset?

• Epidural analgesia

• Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) analgesia

• Spinal analgesia

• Dural puncture epidural

A 28-year-old woman in labor receives an epidural with 10 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine 1:200,000. Fifteen minutes later, her blood pressure is 70/50 mmHg, and fetal heart rate is 90 bpm with loss of variability. What is the most likely cause?

• Local anesthetic systemic toxicity

• Hypotension from sympathetic blockade

• Amniotic fluid embolism

• Uterine hyperstimulation

Which medication is commonly administered preoperatively to reduce the risk of aspiration in pregnant patients undergoing general anesthesia?

• Ranitidine

• Bicitra (sodium citrate)

• Metoclopramide

• Ondansetron

Why is fetal exposure to chloroprocaine lower than to bupivacaine following maternal epidural injection?

• Chloroprocaine has a shorter half-life

• Chloroprocaine is metabolized by plasma cholinesterase

• Bupivacaine has higher lipid solubility

• Chloroprocaine is less protein-bound

A 30-year-old woman undergoes cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia with tetracaine. Twelve hours later, she develops bilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation below T8 and leg paralysis. What is the most likely cause?

• Epidural hematoma

• Anterior spinal artery syndrome

• Cauda equina syndrome

• Transient neurologic symptoms

Which of the following is the LEAST likely clinical finding in a parturient with amniotic fluid embolism?

• Hypotension

• Hypoxemia

• Coagulopathy

• Hypertension

What is the most appropriate anesthetic technique for a woman in the second stage of labor requiring analgesia for vaginal delivery?

• General anesthesia

• Pudendal nerve block

• Epidural analgesia

• Intravenous opioids

Which of the following best explains the more rapid rise of alveolar concentration of volatile anesthetics in pregnant women?

• Increased tidal volume

• Decreased functional residual capacity

• Increased cardiac output

• Decreased minute ventilation

A parturient receives magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which anesthetic drug's dose requirement is LEAST affected by magnesium sulfate?

• Vecuronium

• Rocuronium

• Succinylcholine

• Atracurium