ABA Fundamentals & Core Concepts 3

Question 1

The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of an inhalational anesthetic is DECREASED by:

Accepted Answer

Hypothermia and opioid premedication

Answer

Hypothermia, opioids, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, advanced age, and acute alcohol intoxication all decrease MAC requirements.

Question 2

Which volatile anesthetic is MOST associated with nephrotoxicity due to inorganic fluoride production?

Accepted Answer

Sevoflurane

Answer

Sevoflurane undergoes the greatest degree of biodegradation among modern volatile anesthetics, producing inorganic fluoride that can cause renal tubular dysfunction at very high exposures.

Question 3

In the context of anesthetic pharmacology, 'context-sensitive half-time' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The time for plasma concentration to decrease 50% after stopping an infusion of a given duration

Answer

Context-sensitive half-time accounts for drug redistribution from peripheral compartments back to plasma after stopping an infusion, and varies with infusion duration.

Question 4

The pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is INCREASED by which condition?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxia and hypercapnia

Answer

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and hypercapnia increase PVR by causing pulmonary arterial smooth muscle constriction.

Question 5

Which statement about succinylcholine is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

It causes fasciculations followed by flaccid paralysis

Answer

Succinylcholine depolarizes the motor end plate causing fasciculations, then produces flaccid paralysis due to phase I blockade as the end plate remains depolarized.

(ABA) ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) Board Certification Practice Test

(ABA) ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) Board Certification Practice Test

ABA Fundamentals & Core Concepts 3