Which of the following drugs would be appropriate for providing sedation and analgesia for a 4-year-old girl with severe asthma?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Ketamine is often preferred for pediatric patients with asthma or respiratory issues because it has minimal respiratory depression and can provide effective sedation and analgesia without compromising the patient's respiratory function. It is a dissociative anesthetic that maintains airway reflexes and respiratory drive, making it a suitable choice for children with asthma undergoing minor procedures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Etomidate. Etomidate is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent commonly used for induction of anesthesia due to its rapid onset and short duration of action. It is often preferred in patients with cardiovascular instability as it has minimal effects on hemodynamics. A) Thiopental is a barbiturate with a longer duration of action compared to etomidate and is typically used for anesthesia induction and maintenance in non-cardiac surgery. C) Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used as an antidepressant and for other psychiatric conditions, not for anesthesia. D) Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used for nerve blocks or as an antiarrhythmic agent, not for anesthesia induction. Understanding the pharmacological properties of these drugs is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses and anesthesiologists, to ensure safe and effective patient care. Knowledge of the correct drug for specific clinical situations can prevent adverse events and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Thiopental's short duration of action is primarily due to its rapid redistribution from the brain to peripheral tissues, leading to a quick recovery. Slow distribution into the CNS, fast elimination, and poor diffusion into central neurons would not explain the short duration of action observed with thiopental.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Lidocaine is the most appropriate choice for a 4-day-old boy with methemoglobinemia as it is less likely to cause further methemoglobinemia compared to other local anesthetics. This is important to prevent exacerbating the baby's condition. Lidocaine is considered safe for use in pediatric patients and is commonly used in this population for minor procedures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lidocaine would be the most appropriate choice for a pregnant woman with a history of anaphylactic reaction to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). Lidocaine is an amide local anesthetic that does not contain PABA and is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to this compound. It is important to choose a local anesthetic that is safe for the patient and avoids any potential allergic responses.