What is the IV induction dose of ketamine?

What is the IV induction dose of ketamine?

• A. 0.5-1 mg/kg
• B. 1-2 mg/kg
• C. 2-3 mg/kg
• D. 3-4 mg/kg

Answer: (B)

Ketamine induction aims to produce rapid hypnosis and analgesia (dissociative anesthesia) while keeping the patient’s airway and cardiovascular status stable. The middle of the typical IV dosing window hits that balance: it’s high enough to reliably achieve unconsciousness and analgesia, but not so high that you markedly increase the risk of emergence phenomena (like vivid dreams or delirium), hypersalivation, or prolonged recovery. If the dose is on the lower end, anesthesia may be inadequate and you’d need additional agents. If it’s on the higher end, you’re more likely to see adverse effects and longer recovery times. That’s why the mid-range dose is the best choice for IV induction.

Ketamine induction aims to produce rapid hypnosis and analgesia (dissociative anesthesia) while keeping the patient’s airway and cardiovascular status stable. The middle of the typical IV dosing window hits that balance: it’s high enough to reliably achieve unconsciousness and analgesia, but not so high that you markedly increase the risk of emergence phenomena (like vivid dreams or delirium), hypersalivation, or prolonged recovery.

If the dose is on the lower end, anesthesia may be inadequate and you’d need additional agents. If it’s on the higher end, you’re more likely to see adverse effects and longer recovery times. That’s why the mid-range dose is the best choice for IV induction.