## **Core Concept**
The Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC) is a measure of the potency of an inhaled anesthetic agent. It is defined as the concentration of vapor in the lungs that is needed to prevent movement in 50% of patients in response to a surgical stimulus, essentially indicating the potency of the anesthetic - the lower the MAC, the higher the potency.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **Nitrous Oxide**, has a high MAC value, which indicates lower potency compared to other inhalational anesthetics. Nitrous oxide has a MAC of approximately 104%, which is significantly higher than other commonly used inhalational anesthetics. This high MAC value means that a higher concentration of nitrous oxide is required to achieve the same anesthetic effect as other agents, reflecting its lower potency.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Although not specified, if we consider commonly used inhalational anesthetics like **Sevoflurane**, its MAC is around 2%, which is much lower than nitrous oxide, indicating higher potency.
- **Option B:** Similarly, for **Isoflurane**, the MAC is about 1.15%, also much lower than nitrous oxide, indicating higher potency.
- **Option D:** For **Desflurane**, the MAC is approximately 6%, which is lower than nitrous oxide but still much lower than nitrous oxide's MAC, indicating higher potency.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **Nitrous Oxide** is often used in combination with other anesthetic agents because of its low potency and limited ability to provide sufficient anesthesia on its own. It's commonly used for its analgesic properties and to reduce the MAC of other, more potent anesthetic agents.
## **Correct Answer:** . Nitrous Oxide
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.