Certified Surgical Technologist Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia 3

Question 1

Which inhaled anesthetic agent is known to trigger malignant hyperthermia in susceptible patients?

Accepted Answer

Sevoflurane

Answer

Sevoflurane, like all volatile halogenated agents, can trigger malignant hyperthermia in genetically susceptible individuals through abnormal RYR1 receptor activation.

Question 2

A surgeon requests epinephrine to be added to a local anesthetic. What is the primary purpose of this combination?

Accepted Answer

Prolong duration and reduce systemic absorption

Answer

Epinephrine causes local vasoconstriction, which slows systemic absorption of the local anesthetic, prolonging its duration and reducing toxicity.

Question 3

Which muscle relaxant is classified as a depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent?

Accepted Answer

Succinylcholine

Answer

Succinylcholine is the only clinically used depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, acting by mimicking acetylcholine and causing persistent depolarization.

Question 4

What is the term for the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of an inhaled anesthetic?

Accepted Answer

The alveolar concentration preventing movement in 50% of patients to skin incision

Answer

MAC is defined as the minimum alveolar concentration of an anesthetic at which 50% of patients do not move in response to a standard surgical stimulus (skin incision).

Question 5

Which benzodiazepine is commonly used for preoperative anxiolysis and intraoperative sedation in monitored anesthesia care?

Accepted Answer

Midazolam

Answer

Midazolam is preferred for perioperative use due to its rapid onset, short duration, water solubility, and amnestic properties.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia 3