A 40-Year-Old Woman Is Brought to the Emergency Department for a 2-Hour

A 40-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department for a 2-hour history of shortness of breath. She does not smoke or use drugs recreationally. Her temperature is 37.5°C (99.5 F) and respirations are 28/min. She appears anxious and is unable to speak in full sentences. Lung auscultation reveals bilateral wheezing. Prompt endotracheal intubation for respiratory support is planned. Prior to endotracheal intubation, intravenous ketamine is administered for induction of anesthesia. Which of the following characteristics is the most likely reason for use of this anesthetic agent in this patient?

A) Direct GABA agonism
B) Lower lipid solubility
C) Metabolism by plasma enzymes
D) Neuromuscular blockade effect
E) Sympathomimetic activity