Sho acting anesthetic agent used for day care surgery is: September 2005, 2010
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the knowledge of short-acting anesthetic agents used in day care surgery. Day care surgery, also known as outpatient surgery or ambulatory surgery, requires anesthetic agents that have a rapid onset and short duration of action to minimize recovery time.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **Propofol**. Propofol is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent that is commonly used for day care surgery. It has a rapid onset of action and a short duration of sedation, making it ideal for procedures that require minimal recovery time. Propofol works by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA_A receptor, leading to sedation and hypnosis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** **Halothane** is a volatile anesthetic agent that is not typically used for day care surgery due to its longer recovery time and potential for cardiac and hepatic toxicity. Halothane is metabolized by the liver and can cause liver damage and other complications.
**Option B:** **Nitrous oxide** is a gas anesthetic agent that is often used in combination with other anesthetics for day care surgery. However, it is not a primary anesthetic agent and has a longer duration of action compared to propofol.
**Option C:** **Succinylcholine** is a depolarizing muscle relaxant that is used to facilitate endotracheal intubation and provide muscle relaxation during surgery. While it has a rapid onset of action, it is not used as a primary anesthetic agent for day care surgery.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that propofol is a water-soluble anesthetic agent that is typically administered through a dedicated infusion pump to prevent contamination and ensure accurate dosing.
**Correct Answer:** C. Succinylcholine