Which statements apply to thiopental?

• A. It should only be given IV.
• B. Anesthesia is of short duration when thiopental is used alone.
• C. It can be used as an induction agent for inhalant anesthesia.
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Thiopental is an ultra-short-acting barbiturate used to rapidly induce anesthesia. It should be given IV because absorption via other routes is unreliable and IM use is not appropriate for producing predictable anesthesia. When thiopental is used alone, its anesthetic effect is brief due to rapid redistribution from the brain to fat and muscle and subsequent metabolism, so the depth of anesthesia wears off quickly. It is also commonly used as an induction agent for inhalant anesthesia, allowing rapid unconsciousness and airway placement before switching to an inhaled anesthetic for maintenance. All of these statements are true, so the option that combines them applies.