Which agents are used specifically to reverse the effects of anesthetic agents?

The correct response focuses on antagonists, which are specifically used to reverse the effects of anesthetic agents. Antagonists work by blocking the action of other substances, in this case, anesthetic drugs. By binding to the same receptors as the anesthetics but not activating them, antagonists effectively negate the anesthetic effects, allowing the patient to regain consciousness and essential bodily functions more rapidly following anesthesia.

In contrast, neuromuscular blockers are agents that induce paralysis and are not used to reverse anesthesia but rather to facilitate surgery during the anesthetic process. Maintenance agents refer to drugs that are used to keep the patient under anesthesia during a procedure, not to reverse it. Partial agonists bind to receptors and activate them, but not to the full extent, which does not serve the purpose of reversing the effects of anesthesia. Therefore, antagonists are the designated agents for reversing the effects of anesthetic agents.