FB - General Anaesthetics Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of general anesthetics?
To produce unconsciousness and lack of responsiveness to painful stimuli during invasive medical procedures.
What are the stages of general anesthesia?
Pre-assessment/premedication, induction, airway management, maintenance, reversal, and post-operative care.
What are the properties of ideal general anesthetics?
Unconsciousness, analgesia, muscle relaxation, amnesia, fast onset and reversal, minimal adverse effects.
What is balanced anesthesia?
Using combinations of drugs for Pain relief, Unconsciousness and Inhibition of reflexes
What are the two main types of general anesthetics?
Inhalation and intravenous general anesthetics.
How do inhalation anesthetics like halothane and isoflurane work?
They act as positive allosteric modulators of GABA receptors to reduce neuronal activity, leading to anesthesia.
What clinical considerations are important for general anesthesia?
Safe administration, monitoring during anesthesia, and managing potential complications.
What is the role of pre-assessment in general anesthesia?
To evaluate patient health, potential adverse reactions and plan anesthesia care.
What is induction in general anesthesia?
The process of transitioning the patient from consciousness to unconsciousness.
Why is airway management crucial in general anesthesia?
To maintain patient breathing and oxygenation during unconsciousness.
What is involved in the maintenance phase of general anesthesia?
Keeping the patient in a stable anesthetic state during surgery.
How is anesthesia reversed post-operation?
By discontinuing anesthetic agents and supporting return to consciousness.
What post-operative care is essential after general anesthesia?
Monitoring recovery, managing pain, and identifying complications.
What are common inhalation anesthetics?
Halothane, Isoflurane, Sevoflurane, Desflurane.
What are common intravenous anesthetics?
Propofol, Etomidate, Ketamine, Thiopental.
What is an advantage of using Propofol as an anesthetic for short procedures?
It has a rapid onset of action and short half-life for fast induction and reversal.
What is a unique feature of Ketamine as an anesthetic?
It provides dissociative anesthesia and analgesia.
How is the depth of anesthesia monitored?
Using clinical signs and monitoring equipment like EEG.
What are potential complications of general anesthesia?
Respiratory depression, hypotension, nausea, and allergic reactions.
How is pain managed post-anesthesia?
Using analgesics like opioids or non-opioid pain medications.
What factors influence the choice of anesthetic agents?
Patient’s health status, surgical procedure, and duration.
What are the effects of general anesthesia on cardiovascular function?
It can cause hypotension, bradycardia and increases risk of arrhythmias.
What is the significance of muscle relaxants in anesthesia?
They facilitate laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation to facilitate surgical access by relaxing jaw, neck and airway muscles.
How is breathing supported during general anesthesia?
Through mechanical ventilation or assisted breathing techniques.
What is the role of an anesthesiologist during surgery?
To administer and adjust anesthetics, monitor patient vital signs, and oversee anesthesia reversal and patient recovery for procedure.
How do general anesthetics affect respiratory function?
They can depress respiratory drive and protective airway reflexes.
What are the considerations for anesthetic dose in elderly patients?
They may require lower doses due to decreased drug clearance.
How does anesthesia affect thermoregulation?
It can cause hypothermia due to impaired thermoregulatory control.
What are the risks associated with prolonged anesthesia?
Increased risk of complications like deep vein thrombosis and pressure sores.
How is nausea and vomiting managed post-anesthesia?
Using antiemetics like ondansetron or dexamethasone.
How is fluid balance maintained during anesthesia?
Through IV fluids and monitoring urine output.
What is the significance of fasting before anesthesia?
To reduce the risk of aspiration during induction.
What are the effects of anesthetics on renal function?
They can reduce renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate.
How do anesthetics affect the nervous system?
They can cause temporary cognitive dysfunction or delirium post-surgery.
How are blood gases monitored during anesthesia?
Using arterial blood gas analysis to assess oxygenation and ventilation.
How do anesthetics interact with other medications?
They can interact with drugs like opioids, causing enhanced effects or complications.
What is the aim of using general anesthetics?
To produce unconsciousness and a lack of responsiveness to all painful stimuli.
What are the primary induction agents used in general anesthesia?
Short-acting barbiturates like thiopentone.
What is the Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC) in the context of inhalation anesthetics?
MAC is the minimum concentration of anesthetic in the alveolar air that produces immobility in 50% of patients exposed to a painful stimulus.
How is the onset of inhalation anesthetics affected by their blood solubility?
Higher blood solubility results in a slower onset of the anesthetic.
What are the onset and duration parameters of Thiopentone (Sodium thiopental) as an intravenous anesthetic?
Rapid onset of action and ultra-short duration due to redistribution to less vascularized tissues.
What is the role of opioids in general anesthesia?
Opioids like fentanyl and morphine are used for analgesia during the perioperative period.
What are the adverse effects of Ketamine?
Unpleasant psychological reactions such as hallucinations and disturbing dreams during recovery.
What is the significance of the GABA receptor in the action of general anesthetics?
GABA receptors are a common target for many general anesthetics, facilitating inhibitory neurotransmission.
How does the potency of inhalation anesthetics relate to their MAC values?
Lower MAC values indicate higher anesthetic potency.
