Which intravenous induction drug may be beneficial in treating persistent bronchospasm?

Ketamine is beneficial in treating persistent bronchospasm due to its unique properties as a dissociative anesthetic. One of ketamine's significant effects is its ability to act as a bronchodilator, which can help alleviate bronchospasm. This occurs because ketamine interacts with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and has sympathomimetic effects that can lead to increased bronchial smooth muscle relaxation.

Introducing ketamine in a clinical setting, particularly for patients with reactive airway diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can help facilitate a smoother induction of anesthesia while simultaneously helping to relieve bronchoconstriction.

In contrast, other induction agents listed do not have the same bronchodilatory properties. Dexmedetomidine is primarily a sedative and may not provide any benefit in treating bronchospasm. Etomidate is used for induction and has a minimal cardiovascular impact but does not have bronchodilating effects. Propofol is also a widely used induction agent but can lead to respiratory depression and may not be ideal for patients experiencing bronchospasm. Therefore, ketamine stands out for its ability to address this specific respiratory issue effectively.