Oral ketamine facilitates induction in a combative mentally retarded patient.

Induction of general anesthesia in the agitated or combative mentally retarded patient is challenging. Oral ketamine facilitated the smooth and safe induction of anesthesia in an adult mentally retarded patient with a history of violent behavior toward health care providers. The oral administration of ketamine is an effective alternative induction technique in situations where the intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), or inhalation approach may be difficult or hazardous.