Which best describes the respiratory effect of sodium thiopental?

Which best describes the respiratory effect of sodium thiopental?

• A. Bronchodilation and tachypnea
• B. Respiratory depression
• C. Increased tidal volume
• D. No change in respiration

Answer: (B)

Sodium thiopental primarily depresses respiration by acting on the brainstem respiratory center and blunting the ventilatory response to CO2. This leads to respiratory depression with a fall in tidal volume and respiratory rate, often accompanied by a brief period of apnea after a bolus. Minute ventilation drops and CO2 can rise until ventilation resumes or airway support is provided. It does not cause bronchodilation with tachypnea, nor does it increase tidal volume or leave respiration unchanged. Clinically, expect possible apnea after induction and be prepared to assist ventilation as the drug’s effects wane.

Sodium thiopental primarily depresses respiration by acting on the brainstem respiratory center and blunting the ventilatory response to CO2. This leads to respiratory depression with a fall in tidal volume and respiratory rate, often accompanied by a brief period of apnea after a bolus. Minute ventilation drops and CO2 can rise until ventilation resumes or airway support is provided. It does not cause bronchodilation with tachypnea, nor does it increase tidal volume or leave respiration unchanged. Clinically, expect possible apnea after induction and be prepared to assist ventilation as the drug’s effects wane.