Instructional Module:
Intravenous Anesthetic Agents

Anesthetic Agents are intravenous drugs that are used to sedate and/or sleep a patient who will undergo a surgical process and/or procedure. The type of agent to be used with patients depends on the procedure to be performed. Patient safety depends largely on the appropriate selection of such an agent. It is extremely important to note that the patient needs continuous monitoring by the personnel who administer these agents. This monitoring should include blood pressure, pulse, blood saturation, and continuous capnography.

With this objective in mind, it is our responsibility as a health professional, that at the time of administering intravenous anesthetic agents we have a vast knowledge of the action, dose, and/or adverse effects among others of these drugs.

Objectives

At the end of the instructional module, health professionals will be able to:

a. Explain in your own words the phases of anesthesia

b. Define what opioid agents are

c. Mention the opioid receptors where opioid agents act

d. Recognize morphine-derived drugs

e. Recognize the classification, indications, dosage, and adverse effects of Pentothal

f. Mention the classification, indications, dosage and side effects of Etomidate

g. Recognize the classification, indications, dosage, and adverse effects of Ketamine