A 35-year-old patient with status asthmaticus requires emergency anaesthesia for mechanical ventilation. The MOST appropriate induction agent is:
- A Thiopentone
- B Etomidate
- C Ketamine ✓
- D Propofol
Correct answer: C. Ketamine
Explanation
Ketamine is the induction agent of choice in status asthmaticus because it releases catecholamines and causes bronchodilation via both sympathomimetic effects and direct smooth muscle relaxation. Thiopentone can trigger histamine release and bronchospasm. Etomidate is haemodynamically stable but lacks bronchodilator properties. Propofol is acceptable but does not provide the specific bronchodilatory benefit that ketamine offers in severe reactive airway disease.
Reference: Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 6th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.