For gaseous induction of anaesthesia in an uncooperative 4-year-old child without intravenous access, which volatile agent is preferred because of its sweet, non-pungent odour and minimal airway irritation?
- A Desflurane
- B Sevoflurane ✓
- C Isoflurane
- D Enflurane
Correct answer: B. Sevoflurane
Explanation
Sevoflurane has a pleasant, non-pungent odour and causes minimal respiratory tract irritation, making it the agent of choice for inhalational induction in children, including single-breath vital capacity techniques at 8 percent. Desflurane is highly pungent and irritant, provoking coughing, breath holding and laryngospasm, so it is unsuitable for induction despite its rapid kinetics. Isoflurane is moderately pungent, and enflurane is largely obsolete for this purpose.
Reference: Miller's Anesthesia, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.