FANZCA FANZCA Clinical Pharmacology and Anesthesia

Question 1

Which volatile anesthetic agent has the lowest blood-gas partition coefficient, resulting in the fastest induction and emergence?

Accepted Answer

Desflurane

Answer

Desflurane has a blood-gas partition coefficient of approximately 0.45, the lowest among commonly used volatile agents, enabling the fastest induction and emergence.

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action of succinylcholine as a neuromuscular blocking agent?

Accepted Answer

Depolarizing agonism at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Answer

Succinylcholine acts as a depolarizing agent by mimicking acetylcholine and persistently binding to nicotinic receptors, causing initial fasciculations followed by flaccid paralysis.

Question 3

Which opioid is most commonly associated with chest wall rigidity ('wooden chest syndrome') when administered rapidly in high doses?

Accepted Answer

Fentanyl

Answer

Fentanyl, particularly when given in large doses rapidly, is the opioid most classically associated with truncal rigidity that can impair ventilation.

Question 4

What is the primary reason propofol produces pain on injection when administered through a peripheral IV?

Accepted Answer

Its lipid emulsion vehicle activates bradykinin and free nerve endings

Answer

Propofol's lipid emulsion can activate the kinin cascade and stimulate free nerve endings in the vessel wall, causing the characteristic injection pain.

Question 5

Which reversal agent is used to antagonize non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers by forming a tight inclusion complex, specifically targeting rocuronium and vecuronium?

Accepted Answer

Sugammadex

Answer

Sugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin that encapsulates rocuronium and vecuronium molecules, providing rapid and complete reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

(FANZCA) Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Practice Test

(FANZCA) Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Practice Test

FANZCA FANZCA Clinical Pharmacology and Anesthesia