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General Anesthetics · Pharmacology

Which of the following describes the 'Minimum Alveolar Concentration' (MAC) of an inhaled anesthetic?

  1. The alveolar concentration preventing movement in 50% of patients given a surgical stimulus
  2. The concentration at which 50% of patients lose consciousness completely
  3. The concentration producing a 50% reduction in cardiac output
  4. The minimum concentration needed to produce complete skeletal muscle relaxation in every patient
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Correct answer: The alveolar concentration preventing movement in 50% of patients given a surgical stimulus

MAC is a measure of anesthetic potency; it is the concentration of the vapor in the lungs that is needed to prevent motor response to a painful stimulus in half of the subjects. A lower MAC value indicates higher potency of the anesthetic agent.

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