North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) Practice Test

Medetomidine is a sedative and analgesic agent commonly used in veterinary medicine, particularly in cats. The correct choice as its reversal agent is atipamezole, which is specifically designed to reverse the effects of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists like medetomidine. Atipamezole selectively antagonizes the alpha-2 receptors, thereby reversing sedation and restoring normal physiological function, which makes it an effective and targeted antidote.

Other options listed do not serve as appropriate reversal agents for medetomidine. For instance, xylazine, while also an alpha-2 agonist, does not reverse medetomidine’s effects and may cause additional sedation. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist but does not have an effect on alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. Similarly, 2-pralidoxime is used to treat organophosphate poisoning and is not relevant in the context of reversing sedatives or anesthetics. Thus, atipamezole stands out clearly as the correct answer for reversing the effects of medetomidine in cats.