Multiple choice

Increased cerebral O2 consumption is caused by which one of the following?

  1. Propofol

  2. Ketamine

  3. Atracurium

  4. Fentanyl
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Ketamine is unique among anesthetic agents in that it increases cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) and cerebral blood flow. This occurs because ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that maintains or even stimulates cerebral activity, unlike most other anesthetics which depress cerebral metabolism. Propofol significantly decreases CMRO2 and is used for neuroprotection. Atracurium is a neuromuscular blocker with minimal direct cerebral effects. Fentanyl is an opioid that also decreases CMRO2.

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