General Anesthetics, Local Anesthetics & Muscle Relaxants Flashcards
General Anesthesia
Used for more extensive surgeries/procedures
Reversible state of unconsciousness
Local Anesthesia
Small, defined surgery
Patient remains conscious
Anesthetic agents must be able to…
- Have a rapid onset
- Cause skeletal muscle relaxation
- Inhibit sensory/autonomic reflexes
- Easily adjustable
- Minimal toxic side effects
- Rapid, uneventful recovery
- Amnesia
General Anesthesia - Stage I
Analgesia
Patient begins to lose sensation but is still conscious
General Anesthesia - Stage II
Excitement or Delirium
Patient is unconscious and amnesiac, may also be agitated and restless
General Anesthesia - Stage III
Surgical Anesthesia
Level is desirable for surgery
Onset of regular, deep respirations
General Anesthesia - Stage IV
Medullary Paralysis
Cessation of spontaneous respiration due to inhibition of respiratory control systems
Cardiovascular collapse + altered BP regulation
AVOID this stage at all costs due to risk of death
Order of Administration - General Anesthesia
Initially given through IV until patient achieves stage III, then inhaled anesthesia to maintain appropriate level
“Balanced anesthesia”
What is the only inhaled general anesthetic?
Nitrous Oxide - Short term procedures (dental work)
Classes of Intravenous Anesthetics (5)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioid Analgesics
- Ketamine
- Propofol (Diprivan)
What happens with the administration of Ketamine Anesthesia?
Dissociative anesthesia causing patient to become detached from surrounding environment - appears awake, but is actually sedated and will not recall events
Likely to experience hallucinations, strange dreams, or delusions
What is the drug of choice for general anesthesia?
Propofol (Diprivan) - Rapid recovery, good for short term invasive procedures
Mechanism of Action - Anesthetics
Inhibit neuronal activity throughout CNS, decrease activity of neurons in RAS (sedation, hypnosis, amnesia), inhibit neuronal function in SC (immobility/inhibit pain response), and bind to receptors in CNS to enhance inhibition
What are anesthetic adjuvants?
Drugs administered with general anesthesia to enhance effects
What are the 2 types of adjuvants?
- Preoperative medications
- Neuromuscular blockers
Preoperative Adjuvant
Given 1-2 hours before general anesthesia to relax patient and reduce anxiety
Includes barbiturates, benzos, and opioids
Neuromuscular Blocker Adjuvant
Ensure skeletal muscle paralysis when used with general anesthetics by blocking post-synaptic ACh receptors. Allows a smaller dose of general
Adjuvant side effects include:
Tachycardia, increased histamine release, increased plasma potassium levels, residual muscle pain/weakness, immunological reactions (anaphylaxis)
Rehab Implications for Neuromuscular Blockers
Residual paralysis can persist after surgery and depress skeletal muscle contractions for several hours
Long term detrimental effects on memory, attention & cognition (older adults)
Perform early mobilization & breathing exercises for those experiencing bronchial secretions