INHALED ANESTHETICS PBL

Question 1

what components and variables determine uptake and distribution of anesthetic agents in the body?

Answer 1

the gas components

• breathing circuit (volume variable)
• lungs (alveolar units)
• vascular groups (arterial, vessel rich, muscle, fat, venous)

Question 2

what are the controllable and uncontrollable variables that contribute to distribution of anesthetic agents in the body?

Answer 2

• anesthetic gas or vapor concentration
• fresh gas flow (L/min)
• alveolar ventilation (L/min)
• cardiac output (L/min)