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Anesthesia · single question

For a patient with COPD, which sedation/anesthesia consideration is MOST appropriate?

  1. Avoid agents that depress respiratory drive (use the minimum necessary)
  2. Give the maximum possible dose of sedatives to ensure comfort
  3. High-flow oxygen is always safe regardless of CO2 retention
  4. Nitrous oxide is absolutely contraindicated
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Avoid agents that depress respiratory drive (use the minimum necessary)

  • A. Correct. COPD patients are vulnerable to respiratory depression; minimize/avoid respiratory depressants and titrate carefully.
  • B. Maximizing sedatives risks dangerous hypoventilation in a patient with limited reserve.
  • C. In CO2-retaining COPD, uncontrolled high-flow O2 can blunt the hypoxic drive — it is not 'always safe.'
  • D. Nitrous oxide can often be used cautiously (with adequate O2); it is not absolutely contraindicated.

Note: The source item ('max anesthesia 2/3/4/5') was incomplete with no units. The defensible principle is minimizing respiratory depression in COPD.

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