During induction of general anesthesia, administration of oxygen with high concentration of nitrous oxide and halothane hastens the uptake of halothane, this is known as
**Core Concept**
The concept being tested is the effect of nitrous oxide on the blood-gas partition coefficient of halothane, leading to increased uptake of halothane during induction of general anesthesia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Nitrous oxide is a blood gas that rapidly equilibrates between the alveoli and the blood, which increases the diffusion of halothane from the alveoli to the blood. This effect is known as "blood gas-induced diffusion hypoxia." When nitrous oxide is administered with halothane, it hastens the uptake of halothane by increasing its diffusion into the blood, thereby accelerating the induction of anesthesia. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in the context of inhalational anesthetics, where the blood-gas partition coefficient of the anesthetic agent plays a crucial role in determining its rate of uptake.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not relevant to the concept being tested. The uptake of halothane is not related to the administration of a specific anesthetic agent, but rather to the effect of a blood gas like nitrous oxide.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because the uptake of halothane is not related to the concentration of oxygen alone. While oxygen is a critical component of general anesthesia, its concentration does not directly influence the rate of halothane uptake.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because the uptake of halothane is not related to the concept of "diffusion hypoxia" in the context of nitrous oxide administration. Diffusion hypoxia refers to the rapid equilibration of nitrous oxide between the alveoli and the blood, leading to a decrease in oxygen partial pressure in the arterial blood.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When administering nitrous oxide with halothane, it is essential to ensure that the patient receives adequate oxygenation to prevent diffusion hypoxia. This can be achieved by administering oxygen at a rate of at least 30% to 50% of the inspired gas mixture.
**Correct Answer:** B. Diffusion hypoxia.