Which anesthetic agents are commonly used by CRNAs?

The use of propofol, sevoflurane, desflurane, and nitrous oxide is well-established in the practice of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) because these agents play key roles in both general and monitored anesthesia care.

Propofol is widely recognized for its rapid onset and short duration of action, making it ideal for inducing anesthesia and providing sedation. Sevoflurane and desflurane are volatile anesthetics commonly used for maintenance of general anesthesia due to their favorable pharmacokinetic profiles, including rapid recovery times. Nitrous oxide, often referred to as "laughing gas," is utilized for its analgesic properties and is frequently used in combination with other agents to enhance the overall anesthetic experience, particularly in outpatient procedures.

Other options presented do not represent the common practices of CRNAs. Alcohol and opioids, while they may have a place in pain management, do not encompass the range of anesthetic agents used in a clinical anesthesia setting. Anxiolytics and NSAIDs serve more as adjunctive medications rather than primary anesthetic agents and are not typically the focal point in the induction or maintenance of anesthesia. Local anesthetics are important for regional anesthesia techniques but do not