Patient history and physical examination MCQs – Anesthesia

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 13, 2024

Patient History and Physical Examination MCQs – Anesthesia

  1. What is the primary purpose of obtaining a detailed patient history before anesthesia?
    a) To determine the type of surgical instruments needed
    b) To assess the risk of anesthesia-related complications
    c) To select the surgical team
    d) To estimate the duration of surgeryAnswer: b) To assess the risk of anesthesia-related complications
  2. Which of the following should be assessed in a patient’s past medical history during pre-anesthesia evaluation?
    a) Type of previous surgeries and anesthesia experiences
    b) Patient’s educational background
    c) Family’s medical history
    d) Patient’s occupationAnswer: a) Type of previous surgeries and anesthesia experiences
  3. Why is it important to review a patient’s current medications before administering anesthesia?
    a) To adjust the dose of anesthesia
    b) To identify potential drug interactions and adjust medications if needed
    c) To select the type of surgical procedure
    d) To determine the need for post-operative rehabilitationAnswer: b) To identify potential drug interactions and adjust medications if needed
  4. Which condition requires special attention during physical examination for anesthesia planning?
    a) Recent history of fever
    b) Obstructive sleep apnea
    c) History of skin rashes
    d) Previous dental workAnswer: b) Obstructive sleep apnea
  5. What should be assessed in the cardiovascular system during the physical examination?
    a) Patient’s family history of cancer
    b) Presence of arrhythmias or heart disease
    c) Type of surgical procedure
    d) The patient’s occupationAnswer: b) Presence of arrhythmias or heart disease
  6. Which aspect of the respiratory system is crucial to evaluate before anesthesia?
    a) Presence of chronic cough
    b) Previous surgeries
    c) Patient’s family history
    d) Type of anesthesia equipment requiredAnswer: a) Presence of chronic cough
  7. During a pre-anesthesia physical exam, why is it important to assess the airway?
    a) To predict potential difficulties with intubation and ventilation
    b) To select the type of surgical instruments
    c) To determine the need for pre-operative antibiotics
    d) To plan the duration of the surgeryAnswer: a) To predict potential difficulties with intubation and ventilation
  8. What should be considered if a patient has a history of gastrointestinal disorders?
    a) Potential impact on the choice of anesthesia and risk of aspiration
    b) The type of surgical incision
    c) The patient’s dietary preferences
    d) Previous surgical outcomesAnswer: a) Potential impact on the choice of anesthesia and risk of aspiration
  9. Which of the following is a key part of assessing a patient’s neurological system before anesthesia?
    a) Presence of neuropathy or altered mental status
    b) Family history of neurological disorders
    c) Patient’s previous neurological treatments
    d) Patient’s history of physical therapyAnswer: a) Presence of neuropathy or altered mental status
  10. Why is it important to document a patient’s allergies during pre-anesthesia evaluation?
    a) To avoid administering allergens and prevent allergic reactions
    b) To determine the type of surgical procedure
    c) To choose the anesthetic equipment
    d) To decide on post-operative medicationAnswer: a) To avoid administering allergens and prevent allergic reactions
  11. What should be assessed regarding a patient’s nutritional status before anesthesia?
    a) Risk of delayed wound healing and nutritional support needs
    b) The type of surgical procedure
    c) The patient’s previous nutritional interventions
    d) The patient’s exercise regimenAnswer: a) Risk of delayed wound healing and nutritional support needs
  12. In pre-anesthesia evaluation, why is it important to assess the patient’s mobility and functional status?
    a) To estimate the patient’s ability to tolerate the procedure and recover
    b) To determine the type of anesthesia
    c) To plan the length of the surgery
    d) To decide on the surgical teamAnswer: a) To estimate the patient’s ability to tolerate the procedure and recover
  13. What should be included in the pre-anesthesia assessment for a patient with a history of diabetes?
    a) Current blood glucose levels and control
    b) Patient’s previous surgical experiences
    c) Family history of diabetes
    d) Type of anesthesia equipmentAnswer: a) Current blood glucose levels and control
  14. Why is it essential to evaluate the patient’s psychosocial status before anesthesia?
    a) To address anxiety and potential impact on recovery
    b) To choose the appropriate surgical technique
    c) To determine the need for additional surgical procedures
    d) To adjust the anesthetic doseAnswer: a) To address anxiety and potential impact on recovery
  15. What is a critical factor to assess for patients with a history of chronic respiratory diseases?
    a) Risk of intraoperative respiratory complications and need for ventilation support
    b) Previous surgery outcomes
    c) Family history of respiratory diseases
    d) The patient’s smoking historyAnswer: a) Risk of intraoperative respiratory complications and need for ventilation support
  16. Which laboratory test is important to review before anesthesia in patients with liver disease?
    a) Liver function tests
    b) Serum electrolytes
    c) Complete blood count
    d) Kidney function testsAnswer: a) Liver function tests
  17. What should be assessed if a patient has a history of drug or alcohol abuse?
    a) Potential impact on anesthesia and withdrawal symptoms
    b) Frequency of substance use
    c) Previous treatments for addiction
    d) Family history of substance abuseAnswer: a) Potential impact on anesthesia and withdrawal symptoms
  18. In pre-anesthesia assessment, why is it important to evaluate a patient’s renal function?
    a) To adjust the dosage of anesthetic agents and monitor for potential complications
    b) To determine the type of surgical instruments needed
    c) To select the surgical team
    d) To plan the length of the procedureAnswer: a) To adjust the dosage of anesthetic agents and monitor for potential complications
  19. What is a key consideration when assessing a patient’s cardiovascular system before anesthesia?
    a) Presence of hypertension, heart disease, or arrhythmias
    b) The patient’s previous surgeries
    c) The patient’s family history of heart disease
    d) The type of surgical procedureAnswer: a) Presence of hypertension, heart disease, or arrhythmias
  20. Why is it important to assess a patient’s pain management history before anesthesia?
    a) To address any current pain management needs and interactions with anesthesia
    b) To select the type of surgical instruments
    c) To determine the length of the procedure
    d) To plan post-operative rehabilitationAnswer: a) To address any current pain management needs and interactions with anesthesia
  21. What should be assessed regarding a patient’s history of allergic reactions to medications?
    a) Specific allergies to avoid potential adverse reactions during anesthesia
    b) The patient’s dietary preferences
    c) The type of surgical incision
    d) The patient’s previous surgical outcomesAnswer: a) Specific allergies to avoid potential adverse reactions during anesthesia
  22. Which factor is crucial to evaluate during a physical examination of a patient with a history of sleep apnea?
    a) Airway patency and the need for additional ventilation support
    b) The patient’s smoking history
    c) The type of anesthesia equipment required
    d) The length of the surgical procedureAnswer: a) Airway patency and the need for additional ventilation support
  23. In assessing a patient’s gastrointestinal history, what should be considered before anesthesia?
    a) Risk of aspiration and potential impact on anesthesia
    b) The patient’s dietary habits
    c) Previous gastrointestinal treatments
    d) The patient’s history of dental workAnswer: a) Risk of aspiration and potential impact on anesthesia
  24. Why is it important to evaluate the patient’s history of neurological disorders before anesthesia?
    a) To assess any potential impact on anesthesia and surgery
    b) To determine the type of surgical procedure
    c) To choose the appropriate anesthetic agents
    d) To plan the duration of the surgeryAnswer: a) To assess any potential impact on anesthesia and surgery
  25. What should be assessed if a patient has a history of hypertension before anesthesia?
    a) Control of blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular complications
    b) The patient’s previous surgical outcomes
    c) The patient’s family history of hypertension
    d) The type of surgical procedureAnswer: a) Control of blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular complications
  26. Which pre-anesthesia assessment is essential for patients with a history of chronic pain?
    a) Current pain management regimen and potential interactions with anesthesia
    b) Frequency of pain episodes
    c) Previous pain medication use
    d) The type of pain experiencedAnswer: a) Current pain management regimen and potential interactions with anesthesia
  27. What is an important aspect of assessing a patient’s functional status before anesthesia?
    a) Ability to tolerate the procedure and recover effectively
    b) The type of surgical incision needed
    c) The patient’s previous surgical experiences
    d) The surgeon’s preferencesAnswer: a) Ability to tolerate the procedure and recover effectively
  28. In pre-anesthesia evaluation, why is it important to document the patient’s family history?
    a) To identify potential genetic risks and assess their impact on anesthesia
    b) To determine the type of anesthesia equipment needed
    c) To select the appropriate surgical technique
    d) To plan the length of the procedureAnswer: a) To identify potential genetic risks and assess their impact on anesthesia
  29. What should be considered if a patient has a history of endocrine disorders?
    a) The impact of the disorder on anesthesia and potential need for special management
    b) The patient’s previous endocrine treatments
    c) The type of surgical procedure
    d) The patient’s family history of endocrine disordersAnswer: a) The impact of the disorder on anesthesia and potential need for special management
  30. Why is it important to assess a patient’s history of recent infections before anesthesia?
    a) To evaluate the risk of postoperative infections and complications
    b) To determine the type of surgical incision
    c) To plan the duration of the surgery
    d) To select the surgical teamAnswer: a) To evaluate the risk of postoperative infections and complications
  31. What is an essential aspect of evaluating a patient’s pre-anesthesia status for those with a history of immunosuppression?
    a) Risk of infection and the need for additional prophylaxis
    b) The type of surgical procedure
    c) The patient’s previous surgical outcomes
    d) The patient’s family history of immunosuppressionAnswer: a) Risk of infection and the need for additional prophylaxis
  32. Which factor is critical to assess in patients with a history of renal disease before anesthesia?
    a) Renal function and the impact on drug metabolism and elimination
    b) The type of surgical procedure
    c) The patient’s family history of renal disease
    d) The patient’s previous surgical experiencesAnswer: a) Renal function and the impact on drug metabolism and elimination
  33. Why is it important to review a patient’s history of previous adverse reactions to anesthesia?
    a) To prevent recurrence of similar reactions and adjust anesthesia plan accordingly
    b) To determine the type of surgical instruments needed
    c) To select the appropriate surgical technique
    d) To plan the length of the surgeryAnswer: a) To prevent recurrence of similar reactions and adjust anesthesia plan accordingly
  34. What should be assessed regarding a patient’s social history before anesthesia?
    a) Lifestyle factors that could impact anesthesia and recovery, such as smoking or alcohol use
    b) The patient’s family history of medical conditions
    c) The type of surgical procedure
    d) The patient’s previous treatments for medical conditionsAnswer: a) Lifestyle factors that could impact anesthesia and recovery, such as smoking or alcohol use
  35. Which of the following is crucial when assessing a patient’s history of bleeding disorders?
    a) Coagulation profile and risk of bleeding during and after surgery
    b) The patient’s previous surgical outcomes
    c) The type of surgical procedure
    d) The patient’s family history of bleeding disordersAnswer: a) Coagulation profile and risk of bleeding during and after surgery
  36. What should be assessed if a patient has a history of previous adverse reactions to anesthesia?
    a) Details of the reactions to prevent recurrence and modify anesthesia plan if needed
    b) The type of surgical procedure
    c) The patient’s family history
    d) The patient’s previous surgical experiencesAnswer: a) Details of the reactions to prevent recurrence and modify anesthesia plan if needed
  37. Why is it important to evaluate a patient’s history of psychiatric conditions before anesthesia?
    a) To ensure stability of mental health and assess impact on anesthesia and surgery
    b) To select the appropriate surgical instruments
    c) To determine the type of surgical procedure
    d) To plan post-operative psychological supportAnswer: a) To ensure stability of mental health and assess impact on anesthesia and surgery
  38. What should be included in the physical examination for patients with a history of orthopedic issues before anesthesia?
    a) Assessment of mobility and positioning needs during surgery
    b) The type of surgical incision required
    c) The patient’s previous orthopedic treatments
    d) The patient’s family history of orthopedic issuesAnswer: a) Assessment of mobility and positioning needs during surgery
  39. Which laboratory test is important to assess for patients with a history of anemia before anesthesia?
    a) Complete blood count to evaluate hemoglobin levels
    b) Liver function tests
    c) Serum electrolytes
    d) Kidney function testsAnswer: a) Complete blood count to evaluate hemoglobin levels
  40. What is an essential aspect of pre-anesthesia assessment for patients with a history of cancer?
    a) Evaluation of disease status and potential impact on anesthesia and surgery
    b) The patient’s family history of cancer
    c) The type of surgical procedure
    d) The patient’s previous cancer treatmentsAnswer: a) Evaluation of disease status and potential impact on anesthesia and surgery
  41. Why is it important to assess the patient’s history of prior surgeries and anesthesia?
    a) To identify any complications or reactions to anesthesia that might affect current planning
    b) To determine the type of surgical instruments needed
    c) To select the appropriate surgical team
    d) To plan the length of the surgical procedureAnswer: a) To identify any complications or reactions to anesthesia that might affect current planning
  42. What should be assessed if a patient has a history of endocrine disorders before anesthesia?
    a) Control of the endocrine disorder and its impact on anesthesia and surgery
    b) The patient’s previous endocrine treatments
    c) The type of surgical procedure
    d) The patient’s family history of endocrine disordersAnswer: a) Control of the endocrine disorder and its impact on anesthesia and surgery
  43. Which aspect of the patient’s physical examination is critical for those with a history of respiratory conditions?
    a) Assessment of lung function and potential need for ventilation support
    b) The type of surgical incision required
    c) The patient’s family history of respiratory conditions
    d) The patient’s previous respiratory treatmentsAnswer: a) Assessment of lung function and potential need for ventilation support
  44. In pre-anesthesia evaluation, why is it important to assess the patient’s history of vascular conditions?
    a) To evaluate the risk of thromboembolism and manage anticoagulation if needed
    b) The type of surgical procedure
    c) The patient’s previous vascular treatments
    d) The patient’s family history of vascular conditionsAnswer: a) To evaluate the risk of thromboembolism and manage anticoagulation if needed
  45. What should be included in the assessment of a patient’s mental status before anesthesia?
    a) Evaluation of cognitive function and any factors that may affect anesthesia and recovery
    b) The patient’s previous surgical outcomes
    c) The type of surgical incision
    d) The patient’s family history of mental health conditionsAnswer: a) Evaluation of cognitive function and any factors that may affect anesthesia and recovery
  46. Why is it important to document a patient’s history of chronic conditions before anesthesia?
    a) To understand how these conditions might affect anesthesia and surgical outcomes
    b) To determine the type of surgical instruments needed
    c) To select the appropriate surgical team
    d) To plan the duration of the surgical procedureAnswer: a) To understand how these conditions might affect anesthesia and surgical outcomes
  47. What should be assessed in patients with a history of endocrine disorders before anesthesia?
    a) Current management and potential impact on anesthesia
    b) The patient’s previous endocrine treatments
    c) The type of surgical procedure
    d) The patient’s family history of endocrine disordersAnswer: a) Current management and potential impact on anesthesia
  48. Why is it essential to review a patient’s history of allergic reactions to contrast agents before anesthesia?
    a) To prevent allergic reactions to contrast agents used during procedures
    b) To determine the type of surgical instruments needed
    c) To select the appropriate surgical team
    d) To plan the length of the procedureAnswer: a) To prevent allergic reactions to contrast agents used during procedures
  49. What should be evaluated if a patient has a history of previous surgery involving the airway?
    a) Potential impact on current airway management and intubation
    b) The type of surgical instruments required
    c) The patient’s previous surgical outcomes
    d) The patient’s family history of airway issuesAnswer: a) Potential impact on current airway management and intubation
  50. Which of the following is crucial to assess in a patient with a history of autoimmune disease before anesthesia?
    a) Disease activity and potential implications for anesthesia and surgery
    b) The type of autoimmune disease
    c) The patient’s previous treatments for autoimmune conditions
    d) The patient’s family history of autoimmune diseasesAnswer: a) Disease activity and potential implications for anesthesia and surgery

Topic-wise Anesthesia MCQs

  1. Anesthesiology MCQs
  2. Anesthesia Basics:
  3. Anesthesia Agents MCQs:
  4. Airway Management:
  5. Anesthesia Monitoring MCQs – Anesthesia:
  6. Regional Anesthesia MCQs :
  7. Patient Assessment and Optimization:
  8. Anesthesia Delivery Systems MCQs:
  9. Pediatric Anesthesia MCQs :
  10. Obstetric Anesthesia MCQs – Anesthesia:
  11. Anesthesia Complications and Emergencies MCQs:
  12. Post-Anesthesia Care MCQs:
  13. Geriatric Anesthesia:
  14. Ethics and Professionalism in Anesthesia MCQs:
  15. Simulation and Skills Training MCQs :