Anaesthetic complications

Question 1

What are the causes of hypotension?

Answer 1

-Drugs (phenothiazines, a2 agonists, opioids)
-Decreased cardiac output
-Hypovolaemia

Question 2

How to treat hypotension?

Answer 2

-Assess depth and reduce agent if possible
-Assess HR, if brady then treat with anticholinergics or reverse a2 agonists
-Administer crystalloid fluids
-Consult vet on drugs to improve contractility

Question 3

What is hypoventilation and what causes it?

Answer 3

Defined as an EtCo2 of >6 kPA.
-Drugs such as a2’s
-Agent too deep
-Rebreathing
-Hypothermic from slowed metabolism due to hypoventilation

Question 4

How can hypoventilation be treated?

Answer 4

-IPPV
-Reassess iso level
-Check breathing system is not leaking, dead space, stuck valves, exhausted soda lime, scavenging working

Question 5

What is hyperventilation and what causes it?

Answer 5

Defined as an etco2 of <4.6 kpa
-Too light
-Hyperthermic
-Surgical stimulation

Question 6

How to treat hyperventilation?

Answer 6

Assess level and readjust as needed, cooling methods if too warm