The characteristic features of which of the following agent makes it ideal inhalational agent-
**Core Concept**
The ideal inhalational agent should have a low blood/gas partition coefficient to allow for rapid induction and recovery. It should also have a low solubility in blood to minimize the amount of agent required for induction and to reduce the risk of hypotension.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is Sevoflurane, which has a low blood/gas partition coefficient of approximately 0.69. This allows for rapid induction and recovery. Sevoflurane also has a low solubility in blood, which reduces the risk of hypotension and makes it ideal for inhalational anesthesia. Sevoflurane undergoes partial metabolism by liver enzymes, producing inorganic fluoride ions, which can be nephrotoxic in high concentrations. However, the concentrations produced are generally not sufficient to cause significant nephrotoxicity.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Halothane has a high blood/gas partition coefficient and is highly soluble in blood, making it less ideal for inhalational anesthesia.
**Option B:** Isoflurane has a moderate blood/gas partition coefficient and is more soluble in blood than Sevoflurane, although it is still a commonly used inhalational agent.
**Option C:** Desflurane has a very low blood/gas partition coefficient, but it causes significant airway irritation and is not as commonly used as Sevoflurane.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Sevoflurane can cause a mild increase in end-tidal CO2 due to its ability to cause a decrease in respiratory rate and tidal volume.
**Correct Answer:** C. Sevoflurane