General Anaesthesia

Question 1

What are the 3 components of anaesthesia?

Answer 1

Hypnosis
Analgesia
Paralysis

Question 2

Induction:

What 2 routes are used to give anaesthetic agents?

Answer 2

Gas or IV

Question 3

Induction:

IV is usually used. Why may gaseous induction be needed?

Answer 3

If the patient is distressed by IV cannulation (e.g. kids or needle phobics)

Question 4

Intubation:

Why is this done?

Where is the incubator connected to?

What must be done before intubation to give a several minute window to safely attempt intubation?

Answer 4

It protects the airway in a state of unconsciousness and muscle paralysis

Mechanical ventilator

Oxygen is given in a bag-valve ventilator

Question 5

During operation:

Anaesthetic agents could cause bradycardia and hypoperfusion. What can be administered to combat this?

This is one reason why those with HTN, IHD or the elderly with stiffer arteries are high risk. A sudden drop in BP may lead to dangerous hypoperfusion of areas which are dependent on high BP.

Answer 5

Vasoconstrictors, inotropes, and chronotropes

Question 6

Ending:

How do you know someone’s paralysis has ended?

What must be done after the end of paralysis?

Answer 6

Spontaneous breathing by checking end tidal CO2
Using nerve stimulator
Response to voice and observation of chest movements

ET tube removal

Question 7

/Post-op complications - list some?

Answer 7

Pyrexia 
Confusion 
SOB and hypoxia 
Hypertension 
Oliguria 
N&V
Hyponatraemia