Apnea at induction is a common issue that occurs secondary to the drugs used. No mistake was made; it is simply an occurrence due to the drugs. It is a temporary problem but it is prudent to be ready and to assist the patient.
Patients stop breathing after induction for a number of reasons. The rate at which the anesthetic is administered plays an important role. Inject the drugs very slowly especially if you have used an alpha-2 in your premed. Start with 1/4 of your intended volume and inject slowly, over 1 min. Just use enough drug to render the patient unconscious, just so you can intubate.
Administering opioids in the premed (which is a very good idea) then respiratory depression/apnea may be more common. Of course, individual patient variation is also responsible for post-induction apnea.
