the high potency of IV anaesthetics leads to a risk of apnoea and hypotension; adequate resuscitative measures must be available at all times
avoid large doses in obstetrics as there is a risk of transplacental transfer
contraindicated if the airway is at risk, e.g. swelling or surgery to the oropharynx:
respiratory apnoea is common with IV induction agents and emergency intubation may be difficult; it is safer to intubate and give volatile agents, e.g. halothane
an experienced anaesthetist must be present at all episodes of upper airway obstruction, e.g. acute epiglottis - tracheostomy may be required
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