MCQ – 36514

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.