Ch 27: General Anesthetics

Question 1

General anesthetics can be divided into what 2 groups?

Answer 1

Inhalation anesthetics; intravenous anesthetics

(p. 251)

Question 2

What was the first general anesthetic, who introduced it, and what year was it introduced?

Answer 2

Ether; William T. Morton; 1846.

(p. 251)

Question 3

How do inhalation anesthetics work?

Answer 3

We believe they work through selective alteration of synaptic transmission. Specifically, they enhance transmission at inhibitory synapses, and depress transmission at excitatory synapses.

(p. 252)

Question 4

What term is known as an index of inhalation anesthetic potency?

Answer 4

Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)
A low MAC indicates high anesthetic potency.

(p. 252)

Question 5

What important agent has a very high MAC?

Answer 5

nitrous oxide

(p. 252)

Question 6

Propofol’s mechanism of action is not well-understood, but it is most likely a….

Answer 6

….GABA_A receptor agonist.

*From NurseCE4Less.com, “Propofol”

Question 7

What is the onset of action of propofol?

Answer 7

9 to 51 seconds

Question 8

Protein binding of propofol (mostly to albumin)