Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following are neuromuscular blockers?

1. Ketamine, Etomidate

2. Succinylcholine, Rocuronium

3. Midazolam, Propofol

4. Thiopental, Sevoflurane

The correct answer is: Succinylcholine, Rocuronium

Neuromuscular blockers are a class of medications that primarily act at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle relaxation. This is particularly important during surgical procedures where muscle paralysis is required for intubation and surgery. The correct choice, which includes succinylcholine and rocuronium, reflects this function. Succinylcholine is a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker, meaning that it causes an initial depolarization of the muscle membrane, leading to temporary contractions followed by paralysis. It is often used for rapid sequence intubation due to its quick onset and short duration of action. Rocuronium, on the other hand, is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker that works by competitively inhibiting acetylcholine at the motor end plate, preventing muscle contraction. Both agents are commonly used in anesthesia for muscle relaxation, particularly during intubation and surgical procedures. The other options consist of drugs that serve different roles in anesthesia practice. Ketamine and etomidate are both anesthetics but do not provide muscle paralysis. Midazolam and propofol are primarily sedatives and anxiolytics, while thiopental and sevoflurane are barbiturates and inhalational anesthetics,