Final answer:
Anesthetics are classified into general and local, with general anesthetics like diethyl ether leading to loss of consciousness. They can be administered through inhalation or injection, with injectable options like propofol being popular for their rapid effects. Anesthetic gases maintain anesthesia during surgery but require careful monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anesthetic Administration and Effects
Anesthetics are drugs used to induce a temporary loss of sensation or awareness. There are two broad classes: general anesthetics, which result in a reversible loss of consciousness, and local anesthetics, which cause a reversible loss of sensation in a limited region of the body without necessarily affecting consciousness. One of the first general anesthetics to be used was diethyl ether (CH3CH2OCH2CH3), which acts on the brain to produce unconsciousness and general insensitivity to feeling or pain
Anesthesia administration can be delivered via inhalation or injection. Inhalational anesthetics are often volatile liquids or gases delivered using an anesthesia machine that mixes them with oxygen and ambient air, while injectable anesthetics, such as propofol and barbiturates, are usually administered intravenously for faster and more reliable effects. Drugs like ketamine can also be used in urgent, unplanned situations outside of hospitals due to its rapid action.
Anesthetic gas is used to maintain unconsciousness during medical procedures, but it must be carefully monitored as it can induce intoxication if administered improperly. Health professionals often use a combination of injected and inhaled anesthetics to both induce and maintain anesthesia during surgery.