Question

If the patient is affected by cirrhosis:

a. the anesthetic drug would be absorbed at a faster rate into the cardiovascular system
b. the anesthetic drug would be metabolized at a slower rate
c. the anesthetic drug would be excreted at a faster rate
d. the anesthetic drug would not be properly absorbed

Answer 1

In a patient with cirrhosis, the metabolism of anesthetic drugs would be slower due to the impaired function of the liver caused by scarring and portal hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient is affected by cirrhosis, the metabolism of an anesthetic drug would be impacted because the liver is essential for drug metabolism. Cirrhosis leads to liver scarring and poor blood flow through the liver, causing portal hypertension. Due to this, there's less blood going through the liver and fewer opportunities for the liver to detoxify substances. The drug metabolism would be at a slower rate because the damaged liver cannot function as efficiently in breaking down substances. Consequently, option b. 'the anesthetic drug would be metabolized at a slower rate' is the correct answer.