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Ketamine for analgesia — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePharmacologyKetamine for analgesiaFRCA Primary

A trauma patient receives an induction agent with analgesia and sympathetic stimulation. Which drug is most likely?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Ketamine

Ketamine provides analgesia and dissociative anaesthesia with sympathetic stimulation. Idarucizumab is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Sugammadex is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Dantrolene is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. Esmolol is less appropriate because it would fit a different clinical clue or a separate anaesthetic problem. In Primary FRCA pharmacology, link the clinical effect to the receptor, distribution or elimination mechanism rather than memorising isolated facts.

Reference: Peck, Hill & Williams Pharmacology for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care; BNF; Primary FRCA textbooks