General anesthesia Flashcards
What are the four factors that make up general anesthesia?
Amnesia, analgesia, muscle paralysis, sedation
What are the advantages of using general anesthesia? (3)
Facilitates complete airway control
Can be administered rapidly
Is reversible
Rare condition associated with some general anaesthetic agents?
Malignant hyperthermia (+ hypercapnia, metabolic acidosis and hyperkalamia)
Specific treatment for malignant hyperthermia?
Dantrolene sodium
Why is recommended that solid food is avoided for 6 hours prior to anaesthesia?
Risk of aspiration of stomach contents
Risk of metformin in general anesthesia?
Development of metabolic acidosis
What is usually used as pre-medication?
Midazolam- short acting benzo
Agent usually used for anaesthesia induction?
Propofol
How is general anesthesia maintained?
Inhalation of anaesthetic gases e.g. sevoflurane, desflurane
How is whether the depth of anaesthesia is adequate judged?
If muscle relaxants have been used, need to rely on observation of autonomic phenomena e.g. tachycardia, sweating
What is the benefit of using synthetic opioids such as fentanyl?
Cause less fluctuation in blood pressure
What is the tradiitonal muscle relaxant used?
Succinylcholine
