general anaesthesia anatomy and physiology

Question 1

what is GA?

Answer 1

technique using equipment or drugs to produce a loss of consciousness in specific situations of medical or surgical intervention

Question 2

give some ways a child’s respiratory physiology is different to an adult.

Answer 2

greater V/Q mismatch

less control over tidal vol due to weak intercostals

higher oxygen consumption

Question 3

give some ways a child’s anatomy is different to an adult.

Answer 3

larger head, narrow nasal passages

large, floppy epiglottis

obligate nasal breathers at birth

Question 4

give some ways a child’s temperature regulation is different to an adult.

Answer 4

greater SA:vol ratio

require higher temperature for thermoneutral environment

poor responses to hypothermia due to poor shivering and vasoconstriction

Question 5

give some ways a child’s nervous system is different to an adult.

Answer 5

increased incidences of periodic breathing and apnoea

increased sensitivity to muscle relaxants

ventilatory response to CO2 more readily depressed by opiates

Question 6

give some common IV and inhaled GA.

Answer 6

nitrous oxide, sevoflurane, halothane

IV = propofol

Question 7

give some names of airways used while under GA and any additional things needed.

Answer 7

A child cannot maintain their airway under GA so…

laryngeal mask airway
nasal endotracheal intubation

require throat pack, if saliva or blood or debris travels down the trachea it can occlude the airway.

Question 8

what are the 4 stages of anaesthesia?

Answer 8

induction

excitement
- patient can move while under

surgical anaesthesia

respiratory paralysis / overdose