Ex-Premature Post-Anaesthetic Apnoea — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModeratePaediatric AnaesthesiaEx-Premature Post-Anaesthetic ApnoeaFRCA Final

A neonate born at 35 weeks requires inguinal hernia repair at 4 weeks. What specific postoperative risk?

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Correct answer: A — Post-anaesthetic apnoea requiring monitoring 12-24h

Ex-premature (<37 weeks) at risk of post-anaesthetic apnoea until 60 weeks PCA. At PCA 39 weeks, requires 12-24h cardiorespiratory monitoring. Risk factors: prematurity, anaemia, current apnoea. Regional anaesthesia (caudal/spinal) reduces but doesn't eliminate risk.

Reference: APAGBI – 2023 – Post-anaesthetic apnoea in ex-premature infants