Anesthetic emergencies Flashcards
how can anesthetic emergencies be caused?
by human error, equipment failure, adverse effects of agents, patient-related factors
what are some examples of human errors that could cause an anesthetic emergency?
failure to obtain adequate history or perform physical exam, lack of familiarity, incorrect administration of drugs, personnel preoccupied or in a hurry, fatigue/inattentiveness
what are some examples of equipment failure that could cause an anesthetic emergency?
CO2 absorbent exhaustion, empty O2, misassembly of machine, ETT problems, vaporizer problems, pop-off valve problems
what are some ways to decrease potential of adverse effects causing an anesthetic emergency?
choose appropriate protocol, be familiar with patient and agents, use adjuncts to decrease side effects of other drugs
what are some examples of patient related factors that could cause an anesthetic emergency?
geriatrics, pediatrics, brachycephalics, sighthounds, disease, trauma, obese
response to emergencies
vet acts as team leader during CPR but tech may initiate CPR under vet supervision if busy
general approach: CPR or DNR, cost, case to case situation (history and prognosis)
CPR CABDE
C= circulation
A= airway
B= breathing
D= drugs
E= EKG
how many people usually assist in CPR?
4-5 personnel
what do you do when the heart beat becomes absent during surgery?
alert vet, turn off anesthesia, begin chest compressions, continue to breathe for patient (100% O2 through flowmeter and ambu bag), administer drugs and reversals based on EKG (benzos and opioids), monitoring, +/- administer fluid or colloid bolus
how do you perform external compressions?
compress 40-50% at 80-120 bpm
allow chest to recoil before giving another compression
post CPR care
intensive respiratory and cardio monitoring (BP, EKG, CO2, blood gases, SPO2), assess neuro status
common to have a re-arrest within 24 hours
long-term ventilation support may be needed
