What common substance may alter the choice of preoperative sedation?

• A. Herbal supplements
• B. Alcohol
• C. Over-the-counter medicine
• D. Nutritional supplements

Answer: (B)

Alcohol is a common substance that can significantly affect the choice of preoperative sedation for several reasons. First, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to physiological adaptations in the body, which may alter the way anesthetic medications are metabolized. This can require adjustments in dosages or types of sedatives used to ensure patient safety and efficacy during the surgical procedure.

Additionally, alcohol can impact a patient's overall health status, potentially influencing their recovery and response to anesthesia. For instance, patients with a history of heavy drinking may have altered liver function, which is crucial for the metabolism of many anesthetic agents. This alteration increases the risk of complications during and after surgery, leading to careful consideration of preoperative sedation protocols.

Furthermore, acute alcohol intake can lead to intoxication, which poses additional risks such as airway compromise and unpredictable reactions to sedation. Given these factors, anesthesiology teams must evaluate patients’ alcohol use history carefully and may opt for alternative sedation strategies to ensure safe sedation practices in the perioperative environment.