MCQs on Paediatric Anaesthesia

A 4-year-old, 16-kg child is scheduled for tonsillectomy. What is the most appropriate intraoperative maintenance fluid rate using the 4-2-1 rule?

• 40 ml/h

• 56 ml/h

• 64 ml/h

• 80 ml/h

Which physiological factor most contributes to the rapid desaturation in neonates during apnoea under anaesthesia?

• Higher metabolic rate

• Lower residual volume

• Decreased cardiac output

• Increased dead space ventilation

A 2-kg preterm neonate requires anaesthesia for inguinal hernia repair. What is the maximum safe dose of bupivacaine (0.25%) for a caudal block?

• 0.5 ml

• 1.0 ml

• 2.0 ml

• 2.5 ml

During induction of a 5-year-old with sevoflurane, the child develops ventricular tachycardia. What is the most likely cause?

• Hypoxaemia

• Hypercarbia

• Sevoflurane overdose

• Undiagnosed long QT syndrome

A 10-kg child is intubated with a 4.5-mm uncuffed endotracheal tube. What is the estimated length of insertion at the lips?

• 10 cm

• 12 cm

• 14 cm

• 16 cm

Which of the following is the most significant risk factor for postoperative apnoea in a former preterm infant aged 48 weeks post-conception?

• Use of sevoflurane

• History of apnoea of prematurity

• Intraoperative fentanyl use

• Hypothermia

A 3-year-old child with Down syndrome requires anaesthesia. Which airway management consideration is most critical?

• Risk of subglottic stenosis

• Atlantoaxial instability

• Micrognathia

• Increased oral secretions

During laparoscopic appendectomy in a 12-kg child, the end-tidal CO2 rises to 60 mmHg. What is the most appropriate initial action?

• Increase tidal volume

• Decrease insufflation pressure

• Administer sodium bicarbonate

• Convert to open surgery

A 6-kg infant receives a caudal epidural with 0.2% ropivacaine. What is the maximum volume to achieve a T10 sensory block?

• 3 ml

• 6 ml

• 9 ml

• 12 ml

Which of the following is a contraindication to the use of succinylcholine in a 2-year-old child?

• Recent burn injury

• Upper respiratory tract infection

• Recent vaccination

• Peanut allergy