Which of the following inhalational anaesthetic agents has lowest blood: gas solubility-
**Core Concept**
The blood-gas partition coefficient is a measure of the solubility of an inhalational anaesthetic agent in blood. A lower blood-gas partition coefficient indicates that the agent has lower solubility in blood, allowing for faster induction and recovery from anaesthesia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The blood-gas partition coefficient of an inhalational anaesthetic agent is determined by its ability to dissolve in the lipid-rich tissues of the body. Agents with low blood-gas partition coefficients, such as desflurane, have a lower solubility in blood and are more likely to be used for rapid induction and recovery of anaesthesia. This is because they are less soluble in blood and therefore can be exhaled more quickly, allowing for faster recovery.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Although agent A may have a lower blood-gas partition coefficient than some other agents, it is not the agent with the lowest solubility in blood.
* **Option B:** Agent B has a higher blood-gas partition coefficient than the correct answer, indicating that it has a higher solubility in blood.
* **Option C:** Agent C has a similar blood-gas partition coefficient to agent A, but is not the agent with the lowest solubility in blood.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When choosing an inhalational anaesthetic agent, the blood-gas partition coefficient is an important consideration, as it affects the speed of induction and recovery from anaesthesia. Agents with low blood-gas partition coefficients, such as desflurane, are often used for rapid induction and recovery, while agents with high blood-gas partition coefficients, such as isoflurane, are often used for longer procedures.
**Correct Answer:** D. Desflurane has the lowest blood-gas solubility.