NBCRNA Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Desflurane

Answer

Desflurane has the lowest blood-gas partition coefficient (0.42) among currently used volatile agents, enabling the most rapid alveolar equilibration.

Question 2

What is the primary mechanism of action of propofol?

Accepted Answer

GABA-A receptor potentiation

Answer

Propofol produces hypnosis primarily by enhancing GABA-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission at GABA-A receptors.

Question 3

Which neuromuscular blocking agent is reversed specifically by sugammadex?

Accepted Answer

Rocuronium

Answer

Sugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin that encapsulates rocuronium (and vecuronium) to reverse neuromuscular blockade.

Question 4

The MAC of an inhalation anesthetic is defined as the minimum alveolar concentration that prevents movement in what percentage of patients exposed to a surgical skin incision?

Accepted Answer

50%

Answer

MAC is the median effective dose (ED50), representing the alveolar concentration at which 50% of patients do not move in response to a surgical skin incision.

Question 5

Which opioid has the fastest onset due to its high lipid solubility and is most commonly used for intraoperative analgesia infusions?

Accepted Answer

Remifentanil

Answer

Remifentanil is an ultra-short-acting opioid with rapid onset and offset due to ester hydrolysis metabolism, making it ideal for continuous intraoperative infusions.

NBCRNA - National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists Practice Test

NBCRNA - National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists Practice Test

NBCRNA Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists