Transposition of the great arteries affects anesthesia induction by slowing inhalation induction and speeding intravenous induction. Which option correctly describes this?

Transposition of the great arteries affects anesthesia induction by slowing inhalation induction and speeding intravenous induction. Which option correctly describes this?

• A. Inhalation induction is faster than normal; intravenous induction is slower than normal
• B. Inhalation induction is slower than normal; intravenous induction is faster than normal
• C. Both inhalation and intravenous induction are faster than normal
• D. Both inhalation and intravenous induction are slower than normal

Answer: (B)

Transposition of the great arteries creates a parallel circulation with mixing through defects, which often reduces effective pulmonary blood flow. Inhaled anesthetics must be taken up from the alveoli into the blood and then reach the brain; this uptake is limited when pulmonary perfusion is reduced, so inhalation induction proceeds more slowly than usual. Intravenous induction, by contrast, delivers drug directly into the systemic circulation and to the brain with little dependence on pulmonary uptake, so its onset is faster than typical.

Transposition of the great arteries creates a parallel circulation with mixing through defects, which often reduces effective pulmonary blood flow. Inhaled anesthetics must be taken up from the alveoli into the blood and then reach the brain; this uptake is limited when pulmonary perfusion is reduced, so inhalation induction proceeds more slowly than usual. Intravenous induction, by contrast, delivers drug directly into the systemic circulation and to the brain with little dependence on pulmonary uptake, so its onset is faster than typical.