Question
Best anaesthesia for status asthamaticus
| A. |
Thiopentone |
| B. |
Ketamine |
| C. |
Ether |
| D. |
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) |
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » B Explanation |
 |
- Status asthmaticus is a severe, life-threatening asthma exacerbation that does not respond adequately to standard treatment with bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
- Patients requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation need an anesthetic agent that maintains cardiovascular stability and minimizes bronchospasm.
- Ketamine is the preferred induction agent because of its potent bronchodilator properties.
Explanation of the Correct Answer
Option B. Ketamine – Correct
- Ketamine is the induction agent of choice in patients with status asthmaticus.
- It causes bronchodilationby:
- Increasing endogenous catecholamine release.
- Direct relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle.
- Advantages include:
- Potent bronchodilator.
- Preserves spontaneous respiration and airway reflexes.
- Provides analgesia and anesthesia.
- Maintains blood pressure and cardiac output.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect
Option A. Thiopentone
- Thiopentone does not possess bronchodilator properties.
- It may cause histamine release and precipitate bronchospasm in susceptible patients.
- Therefore, it is not preferred in status asthmaticus.
Option C. Ether
- Ether has bronchodilator properties.
- However, it is no longer used in modern anesthesia because of:
- High flammability.
- Slow induction and recovery.
- Airway irritation.
- Availability of safer anesthetic agents.
Option D. Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
- Nitrous oxide has no significant bronchodilator effect.
- It is not suitable as the primary anesthetic agent for status asthmaticus.
