Intra-operative complications Flashcards
Why do complications occur?
Patient factors e.g. species, breed, weight, age
Anaesthetic factors
Procedure factors
What are the 5 common intra-operative complications?
Hypotension Hypothermia Hypoventilation (hypercapnia, hypoxia) Bradycardia Tachycardia
Blood pressure = _ x _ ?
Cardiac output x systemic vascular resistance
Cardiac output = _ x_ ?
Heart rate x stroke volume
Mean arterial pressure must be more than what value to maintain vital organ perfusion?
60mmHg
What are some causes of hypotension?
Reduced CO –> reduced stroke volume, reduced heart rate
Reduced systemic vascular resistance
What can cause a reduced stroke volume?
Hypovolaemia - dehydration
Reduced venous return - dorsal recumbency
Disease - pericardial effusion
What can cause a reduced heart rate?
Drugs
Disease - 3rd degree AV block
What can cause a reduced systemic vascular resistance?
Vasodilation
- Drugs
- Disease: SIRS
How do you go about treating hypotension - in order?
- Check the cuff of the limb and repeat the reading
- Check the plane of anaesthesia and reduce
- Treat HR if it is low using atropine
- Give fluid therapy: crystalloids
- Drugs: vasopressors, positive inotropes
Is hypothermia worse in small or large patients?
Small - larger SA:vol so more likely to lose heat quickly
A body tempo below what is classed as hypothermia?
37 degrees
What are some causes of hypothermia?
- increased heat loss
- reduced heat protection
- abolished behavioural responses
- alterations in hypothalamic function
What can cause increased heat loss during surgery?
- Evaporation from body surfaces (hair clipped, cleaning fluids applied)
- Evaporation from open body cavities
How can hypothermia be prevented?
o Blankets o Bubble wrap o Warm air o Heated mats o Heat and moisture exchanger (HME)
