Anaesthetics Flashcards
What is balanced anaesthesia?
The practice of using a combination of techniques and drugs to provide the optimal conditions for surgery
What are the three key components of effective anaesthesia?
Analgesia
Anaesthesia
Muscle Relaxation
What classes/types of drugs can be used for anaesthesia?
IV Induction Agents
Inhalational anaesthetic agents
Muscle relaxants
Opioids
What is the purpose of IV induction?
To transition the patient from awake to anaesthatised
When can inhalational induction of anaesthesia be recommended/used?
With children, since IV cannulation can be difficult/stressful
What are some commonly used IV anaesthesia induction agents?
Thiopentone
Propofol
Ketamine
What is Thiopentone?
A short-acting barbiturate
How does Thiopentone work?
Causes neuronal hyperpolarisation and inhibition through GABA receptors
What is Propofol?
A Phenolic derivative
How is Propofol thought to work?
Sodium Channel Blocker, prolonging the opening time of Sodium channels thereby reducing the speed of transmission
Other than in theatre, when else is propofol sometimes used?
ICU for sedation as a Propofol infusion
What is Ketamine?
NDMA receptor antagonist
What effects does Ketamine have?
SNS Stimulation
Why is Ketamine often used with unstable/trauma patients?
Does not cause respiratory depression, so is viewed as a “safer” option
When are inhalational anaesthetic agents used?
For maintenance of anaesthesia
What are some common examples of inhalational anaesthetics?
Nitrous Oxide (Entenox) Halothane Sevoflurane Isoflurane Desflurane
Why are muscle relaxants given with anaesthesia?
Makes endotracheal intubation easier, improves operating conditions
When may anaesthesia not include muscle relaxants?
If the procedure is likely to be short, or is a superficial procedure
What are some common examples of muscle relaxants?
Suxamethonium
Mivaricurium
Vecuronium
Rocuronium
How does Suxamethonium work?
Acts as an ACh agonist at the neuromuscular junction, prolonging depolarisation leading to muscle relaxation
