Which opioid is considered the MOST effective single agent for treating postanaesthesia shivering?
- A Nalbuphine
- B Morphine
- C Ondansetron
- D Pethidine ✓
Explanation
Pethidine 25 mg intravenously is the classic and most effective treatment for postanaesthesia shivering, an effect attributed partly to activity at kappa opioid receptors that modulates the thermoregulatory threshold. Tramadol and clonidine are alternatives. Morphine lacks this kappa-mediated antishivering efficacy, making it the tempting but incorrect distractor. Ondansetron has no role in shivering at all.
Reference: Morgan and Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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