Ketamine Mnemonic
KETAMINE
Kids-Induction agent of choice in children
Emergence reactions (vivid dreams, out of-body experiences, floating in space)
Trauma and burn analgesia
All routes (IV, IM, PO, Intranasal, Epidural, Intrathecal)
Muscarinic receptor antagonist
Increases all pressures (BP, IOP, ICP)
Nausea and vomiting side effects
Excitation of the sympathetic nervous system
Here are some key review points for ketamine that might be helpful for your board exams:
Mechanism of Action:
- Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist.
- It produces dissociative anesthesia by disrupting the connection between the thalamus and the limbic system.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Rapid onset of action (30 seconds IV, 3-4 minutes IM).
- Duration of action is typically 5-10 minutes for IV and 12-25 minutes for IM.
Clinical Uses:
- Induction and maintenance of anesthesia.
- Analgesia, especially in emergency settings.
- Sedation for procedures.
Side Effects:
- Cardiovascular: Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output.
- CNS: Hallucinations, vivid dreams, and emergence delirium.
- Respiratory: Minimal respiratory depression, making it useful in patients with compromised respiratory function.
Contraindications:
- Patients with a history of psychiatric disorders.
- Patients with increased intracranial pressure.
Advantages:
- Provides both anesthesia and analgesia.
- Maintains airway reflexes and spontaneous respiration.
- Useful in hemodynamically unstable patients due to its cardiovascular stimulating effects.
Disadvantages:
- Potential for emergence reactions (hallucinations, delirium).
- Can increase intracranial and intraocular pressure.
For more anesthesiology mnemonics check this mnemonic book.
This post covers the points you need to know for your board exams as well as for teaching residents on the daily rounds. Medical professionals can't use the information here to treat their patients nor people can use the information her to treat themselves. If you are having any medical issues, contact your local emergency services or your primary care provider. Please refer to your doctor for medical advice.