An anesthesiologist completes preoperative teaching for a patient the night before surgery. The patient asks the nurse to clarify the reason methohexital [Brevital] will be given as an adjunct to the anesthetic. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding?
A) "Brevital allows a larger amount of inhaled anesthetic to be used without increased side effects."
B) "Brevital is given to enhance the analgesic and muscle relaxation effects of the inhaled anesthetic."
C) "Brevital is used to produce rapid unconsciousness before administration of the inhaled anesthetic."
D) "Brevital is used to reduce cardiovascular and respiratory depression caused by the inhaled anesthetic."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Methohexital [Brevital], a short-acting barbiturate, is given intravenously for induction of anesthesia. It has a rapid onset and short duration and must be followed immediately by an inhalation anesthetic. It does not alter the side effects of inhalation anesthetics. Most adjuncts to inhalation anesthetics are given so that lower doses of the anesthetic may be used. Methohexital has very weak analgesic and muscle relaxation effects. Methohexital causes cardiovascular and respiratory depression.

An Anesthesiologist Completes Preoperative Teaching for a Patient the Night