Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What is a major risk factor during general anesthesia related to muscle relaxants?

1. Hypoglycemia

2. Bradycardia

3. Respiratory depression

4. Elevated blood pressure

The correct answer is: Respiratory depression

During general anesthesia, the use of muscle relaxants is essential for facilitating intubation and ensuring relaxed muscle tone during surgery. However, one of the primary risks associated with these neuromuscular blockers is respiratory depression. Muscle relaxants work by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles, including those responsible for respiration. This can lead to a significant decrease in the ability to breathe spontaneously, especially after the administration of muscle relaxants. When the diaphragm and intercostal muscles are paralyzed, the patient may fail to ventilate adequately without mechanical assistance. This is particularly critical as it can result in hypoventilation, leading to increased carbon dioxide levels and decreased oxygenation, necessitating careful monitoring and management of airway and breathing support during the perioperative period. In contrast, while hypoglycemia, bradycardia, and elevated blood pressure can also present as risks during anesthetic procedures, they are not direct consequences of muscle relaxant administration. Hypoglycemia relates to metabolic imbalances, bradycardia can occur due to various factors but isn't primarily driven by muscle relaxants, and elevated blood pressure can occur in different settings but isn't specifically attributed to the effects of muscle relaxants in the context of anesthesia. Therefore,