Anesthesiology MCQs (Prometric)

Immediately before anesthesia for CT-guided tumor ablation, the anesthesiologist discovers that the remote procedure room has no self-inflating resuscitation bag, although the anesthesia workstation is functioning. Which action is most appropriate?

A 67-year-old is fully awake after maxillofacial surgery. Intubation required multiple videolaryngoscopic attempts, airway swelling remains present, and reintubation would probably be difficult. Gas exchange is adequate and extubation is otherwise appropriate. Which extubation strategy best preserves airway access if reintubation becomes necessary?

A syringe pump delivering a potent vasoactive drug suddenly alarms for downstream occlusion. Arterial pressure remains stable, and the infusion tubing disappears beneath several surgical drapes before reaching the intravenous catheter. Which response is most appropriate?

During positive-pressure ventilation after blunt thoracic trauma, an adult suddenly develops SpO2 78%, blood pressure 62/38 mmHg, and marked unilateral reduction in breath sounds. Bedside pleural ultrasound is performed and the M-mode image is shown. Obstructive shock is suspected. What should the anesthesiologist do next?

A patient develops severe headache several days after a recognized dural puncture. Unlike her earlier postural symptoms, the headache is now constant, is associated with focal neurologic findings, and no longer improves when supine. Which next step is most appropriate?

A left-sided double-lumen tube has been inserted for thoracoscopic lobectomy. Flexible bronchoscopy shows the configuration illustrated before lateral positioning. Which interpretation is most appropriate?

A patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receives an interscalene block for shoulder surgery. Shortly afterward, dyspnea increases and ultrasound shows reduced excursion of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. Which block-related mechanism is most likely?

A labor epidural provides excellent analgesia for four hours. The patient suddenly develops intense unilateral abdominal pain despite repeated epidural boluses, and emergency cesarean delivery is required for suspected uterine rupture. The existing catheter cannot provide a bilateral surgical block. What is the safest anesthetic plan?

After prolonged intubation, an adult is ready for extubation but has multiple risk factors for laryngeal edema and a markedly reduced cuff leak. Extubation is not urgent. Which approach best reduces the risk of post-extubation airway obstruction?

A 7-year-old with mucopolysaccharidosis requires elective surgery. The child has macroglossia, restricted cervical motion, obstructive symptoms, and a previous difficult intubation. Which anesthetic preparation is most appropriate?