Anesthesia Knowledge Test 1 (AKT-1) Practice

Increased age generally results in an increased sensitivity to anesthetic agents. As individuals age, various physiological changes occur, including alterations in body composition, metabolism, and organ function. These changes can affect how the body responds to anesthetic drugs.

For instance, older adults may have a decreased volume of lean body mass and an increased volume of fat, which influences the distribution and elimination of lipophilic drugs. Additionally, age can lead to decreased hepatic and renal function, resulting in a slower clearance of anesthetic agents and, consequently, a prolonged effect. As a result, older adults may require lower doses to achieve the desired level of sedation or anesthesia compared to younger individuals, highlighting the increased sensitivity to these drugs.

This understanding is critical for anesthesiologists, as they must tailor their approach to accommodate the specific needs and physiological changes of older patients during anesthesia.