Which statements apply to ketamine?

• A. It causes a rise in blood pressure.
• B. It produces catalepsy.
• C. It is used in conjunction with anticholinergics in large animals.
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that often preserves or even raises cardiovascular activity. So a rise in blood pressure is a common and expected effect, reflecting its ability to boost sympathetic tone rather than depress the heart and vessels.

It also produces a dissociated state that can include muscle rigidity and a cataleptic posture, where the animal appears immobile or holds unusual postures despite being conscious. This catalepsy is characteristic of ketamine’s unique CNS effects.

In large animals, ketamine is frequently used with an anticholinergic like atropine or glycopyrrolate to reduce saliva and airway secretions and help maintain airway and cardiovascular stability during anesthesia. This combination is a practical approach in big animals to reduce certain reflexes and secretions that could complicate the procedure.

Taken together, these points describe common, clinically relevant properties of ketamine, so all of the statements are true.