DM1 Pt1-1 Factors that increase Anaesthetic Risk

Question 1

What is the most common cause of anaesthetic death in cats?

Answer 1

Over 60% of deaths are caused by cardiorespiratory complications.

Question 2

When do most anaesthetic deaths in cats occur?

Answer 2

Over 60% of deaths occur during the post-operative period, particularly within the first 3 hours after anaesthesia.

Question 3

How does monitoring during anaesthesia reduce the risk of death?

Answer 3

Use of pulse oximetry during anaesthesia reduces the risk by monitoring oxygenation and detecting hypoxemia early.

Question 4

What procedural factor increases the risk of anaesthetic death in cats?

Answer 4

Emergency procedures increase the risk due to insufficient patient stabilization before anaesthesia.

Question 5

How does health status affect the risk of anaesthetic death?

Answer 5

Poor health status (ASA 3 or higher) increases the risk due to reduced resilience to anaesthetic agents and complications.

Question 6

How does age influence the risk of anaesthetic death in cats?

Answer 6

Older cats have a higher risk due to decreased physiological adaptation to stress, such as reduced baroreceptor sensitivity.

Question 7

What impact does body weight have on anaesthetic risk in cats?

Answer 7

Cats less than 2 kg or greater than 6 kg have an increased risk due to hypothermia, blood loss, and complications related to obesity.

Question 8

Why does endotracheal intubation increase the risk of anaesthetic death in cats?

Answer 8

Intubation can cause trauma, laryngeal spasm, and tracheal necrosis if not performed carefully.

Question 9

Why is fluid administration during anaesthesia risky for cats?

Answer 9

Cats are susceptible to fluid overload, which can lead to pulmonary oedema, increasing the risk of anaesthetic death.