A patient suffering from status epilepticus is put on mechanical ventilation and is sedated with a high dose propofol in order to reduce brain activity. Which of the following deficiencies is the patient at risk for?

Explanation

• Propofol can cause zinc loss through the urine, so prolonged propofol use should be supplemented with zinc 

• Potassium and calcium imbalances are not associated with the use of propofol 

• Propofol contains a high concentration of lipids that places the patient at risk for hyperlipidemia, not lipid deficiency