Which of the following statements best describes Isoflurane in a perioperative setting?

• A. Injectable local anesthetic
• B. Inhalational general anesthetic
• C. Topical anesthetic
• D. Local anesthetic spray

Answer: (B)

Isoflurane is an inhalational general anesthetic used to induce and maintain unconsciousness during surgery. It is delivered as a vapor through the anesthesia machine and breathing circuit, not injected into tissue or applied to surfaces. In the perioperative setting, the depth of anesthesia is controlled by adjusting the inspired concentration of isoflurane, typically alongside oxygen and other agents. As a volatile liquid, it evaporates in the vaporizer to become the inhaled gas that the patient breathes. Its pungent odor can irritate the airways, which influences its use for induction, especially in adults. It is not an injectable local anesthetic, nor a topical anesthetic or local spray.