Conduct of General Anaesthesia

Question 1

What do anaesthetics actually do?

Answer 1

Pre-op assessment and care
Critical or intensive care
Pain Management
Anaesthesia
Post-op care

Question 2

Descrive the GA induction

Answer 2

Patient taken into a separate anaesthetic room and is given a Gas e.g Halothane or IV agent e.g propofol, thiopentone, triple airway manoeuvre with either anaesthetic face mask/oropharyngeal airway/laryngeal mask airway

Question 3

How can the airway be obstructed?

Answer 3

Ineffective Triple Airway Manoeuvre, Airway Device malposition or kinking, laryngospasm

Question 4

Why might a patient aspirate?

Answer 4

Anaesthetics means loss of protective airway reflexes, there may be foreign material in airway

Question 5

What is the difference between maintaining and protecting the airway?

Answer 5

Maintenance - open and unobstructed

Protection - tube which protects the airway from contamination

Question 6

What is endotracheal intubation?

Answer 6

Placement of a cuffed tube in trachea

Question 7

What are the indications for intubation?

Answer 7

• Protect airway from gastric content
• Need for muscle relaxation and artificial ventilation
• Need for tight control of blood gases
• Restricted access to airway