Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) Practice Exam

Which type of anesthesia may lead to dose-dependent respiratory depression?

1. Local anesthesia

2. General anesthesia

3. Regional anesthesia

4. Inhalation anesthesia

The correct answer is: General anesthesia

General anesthesia is associated with dose-dependent respiratory depression because it involves the administration of agents that depress the central nervous system and diminish respiratory drive. As the dose of general anesthetics increases, their effect on the brain and the respiratory centers can lead to a reduced ability to breathe spontaneously, often requiring mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal during surgical procedures. In contrast, local anesthesia primarily numbs a specific area without affecting overall consciousness or respiratory function, thus it does not typically lead to respiratory depression. Regional anesthesia can also affect larger areas by blocking certain nerve pathways, but it usually does not cause systemic respiratory issues in the same way general anesthesia does. Inhalation anesthesia can also lead to respiratory depression; however, it is often more closely associated with general anesthesia since inhaled agents are commonly used in that context. The key distinction is that general anesthesia systematically affects the entire body and the control of vital functions, making it particularly significant regarding respiratory depression as the dosage varies.