Final answer:
Non-pungent inhaled anesthetics include Nitrous oxide, Halothane, and Sevoflurane. Desflurane is known to be pungent and can cause irritation. Halothane's use has declined due to safety concerns, while Sevoflurane is preferred for its minimal airway irritation and pleasant smell.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inhaled anesthetics that are considered non-pungent include Nitrous oxide, Halothane, and Sevoflurane. Desflurane, by contrast, is known for its pungency and can cause airway irritation, making it less well-tolerated by patients especially without the prior administration of a more non-pungent agent. Nitrous oxide is a commonly used anesthetic gas, often combined with other agents, that is virtually non-irritating to the airways. Halothane was once a widely-used non-pungent agent, but due to concerns about its potential for liver toxicity and other side effects, its use has declined. Sevoflurane is favored for inhalational induction due to its minimal airway irritation, rapid onset, and pleasant smell.
Volatile anesthetics, such as halothane, sevoflurane, and isoflurane, are fluorine-containing compounds that have replaced older agents like diethyl ether because they are less flammable. Nevertheless, diethyl ether fell out of favor not only due to flammability but also because of side effects such as nausea. The safety of halothane has been questioned due to higher rates of miscarriages observed among female operating room personnel exposed to it. Modern anesthetics are delivered using a precision anesthesia machine that vaporizes liquid anesthetics and offers a controlled composition of oxygen, anesthetics, and ambient air.