What is the purpose of preoxygenating a patient prior to induction of anesthesia?

Preoxygenating a patient prior to the induction of anesthesia serves the important function of filling the functional residual capacity (FRC) with oxygen. This process enhances the oxygen stores in the lungs, allowing the patient to have a higher reserve of oxygen available in their bloodstream during the critical period following induction and intubation.

By increasing the oxygen saturation levels in the blood prior to starting anesthesia, healthcare providers can help mitigate the risk of hypoxia during the time when the airway may be obstructed or ventilation may be impaired. This is particularly crucial in scenarios involving rapid sequence intubation or in patients with compromised respiratory function.

The other choices, while they may relate to anesthetic practice, do not accurately capture the primary purpose of preoxygenation. For instance, inducing sedation more quickly, improving muscle relaxation, or increasing heart rate do not directly relate to the benefits gained from filling FRC with oxygen. Therefore, preoxygenation is pivotal in ensuring better patient safety and outcomes during the anesthesia process.