Pharmacology III: Inhaled Anesthetics

Question 1

T/F: Inhaled anesthetics are administered as vapors after they’re vaporized from the liquid form in devices known as vaporizers.

Answer 1

True!

Question 2

T/F: The mechanism by which inhaled anesthetics produce CNS depression is clearly understood.

Answer 2

False. It is not clearly understood.

Question 3

Mechanism by which inhaled anesthetics is ___.
Although, most evidence is consistent with inhibition of ___ transmission through ___ polysynaptic pathways, particularly in the ___ ___ ___ (RAS).

Answer 3

1. Unknown
2. Multineuronal
3. Reticular Activating System (RAS)

Question 4

Name 5 ideals for inhaled anesthetic (12)

Answer 4

1. Non-explosive
2. Non-flammable
3. Non-toxic
4. Safe with CO2 absorbent
5. Potent
6. Pleasant to inhale
7. Minimal metabolism
8. Low blood-gas solubility
9. Minimal organ depression
10. Good analgesia
11. Good shelf life
12. Inexpensive

Question 5

Inhaled anesthetic properties:
The solubility of it determines how ___ the vapor will enter & leave the blood stream.
The ___ the solubility, the faster the equilibration of gas in the blood and the faster the speed of ___ & ___.

Answer 5

1. Rapidly; fast
2. Lower
3. Induction
4. Recovery

Question 6

What is Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC) is what?

Answer 6

The amount of anesthetic that will cause surgical anesthesia in 50% of patients

Question 7

A high Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC) means the gas is ___ potent. Meaning, ___ gas is required to attain surgical anesthesia.
A low MAC means the gas is ___ potent. Meaning, ___ gas is required to attain surgical anesthesia.

Answer 7

1. Less
2. More
3. More
4. Less

Question 8

The MAC determines the ___ settings.
MAC ___ with species.
Induction dose of MAC:
MAC maintenance:

Answer 8

1. Vaporizer
2. Varies
3. Induction: 2.0-3.0x’s species MAC
4. Maintenance: 1.5-2.0x’s species MAC

Question 9

Halothane is ___ insoluble in blood and ___ volatility, therefore a fast induction.
It is fairly fat soluble, so recovery in fat patients may be ___.
It is very effective, but ___ and ___ agent.

Answer 9

1. Moderately
2. Adequate
3. Prolonged
4. Potent
5. Dangerous

Question 10

Halothane Disadvantages (6)

Answer 10

1. Potential liver toxicity
2. Increases heart arrythmias
3. Profound hypotension
4. No analgesia
5. Malignant hyperthermia
6. A potent respiratory depressant

Question 11

Halothane is a potent respiratory depressant. It causes a shallow/rapid panting ___, CO2 ___, and muscle ___ & ___.
This makes judging the depth of anesthesia by conventional ___ signs difficult.

Answer 11

1. Respiration
2. Retention
3. Tension
4. Twitching
5. Reflex