Final answer:
A right-to-left shunt can cause an increased induction time for inhaled anesthetics due to the bypass of blood away from the lungs, where these gases are typically absorbed. Yet, the effect can be variable in severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of a right-to-left shunt on gas induction can lead to an increased induction time. This is because blood bypasses the lungs, where gas exchange normally occurs during anesthesia induction. With less blood flowing through the pulmonary system, there is a reduction in the uptake of inhaled anesthetics, which in turn delays their induction effect on the body. In other cases, such as those of severe right-to-left cardiac shunts, the effect can be quite variable based on the extent of the shunt.