Intro to anaesthesia Flashcards
Define general anaesthesia
A state of unconsciousness produced by a process of controlled, reversible intoxication of the Central Nervous System (CNS), whereby the patient neither perceives nor recalls noxious (or other) stimuli.
What is the purpose of balanced anaesthesia?
Achieving the desired components of an anaesthetic by using multiple drugs, which allows a more conservative dose for each drug, thereby reducing side effects and patient-stress
What are the desired components of anaesthesia?
unconsciousness
analgesia
muscle relaxation
narcosis
tranquilisation
hypnosis
immobilisation
amnesia
sedation
What are the 3 anaesthetic events?
induction
maintenance
recovery
What factors affect the risk of anaesthesia?
Patient (breed, species, weight, temperament etc)
Procedure (invasiveness, duration etc)
Staff (surgeon experience, time of day/night etc)
Emergency or planned
Facilities and equipment
What are the important patient considerations to prevent anaesthetic issues?
Owner info/consent
Resuscitation status
Correct patient
Food withheld?
Toileting?
Patient clean?
History
Full exam
Consider temperament
ASA category
Abnormalities identified and corrected
What are the factors related to the procedure that should be considered to minimise anaesthetic risks?
Understand procedure
Approx. duration
Complications/risks
Anticipated pain levels
Have ALL staff involved communicated regarding ALL aspects before commencing procedure
What are the factors related the drugs that should be considered to minimise the risk of anaesthetic?
Drawn up and labelled
Considered and calculated in case of complications
Do vets and nurses understand how the drugs selected will impact the anaesthetic process
What are the factors related to equipment/staff that should be considered to minimise the anaesthetic risk?
Equipment checks complete
For induction
For procedure
For complications (e.g., crash box, regurgitation equipment etc)
For recovery
Ensure staff are trained in using equipment
What are the approximate recommendations for fasting prior to anaesthesia for healthy patients and routine procedures?
Adult dog: (4-6 hrs)
Adult cat: (3-4 hrs)
Kittens and puppies: (1-2hrs)
Rabbits: (and most small furry things) NO FASTING
What are the risks of not fasting prior to anaesthesia?
Gastro-oesphageal reflux/GOR (movement of gastric contents into oesophagus) can result in:
oesophagitis
oesophageal stricture
regurgitation (puts patient at risk of aspiration pneumonia)
Post-operative colic in horses
Why should patients urinate/defecate prior to anaesthesia?
bladder/bowels can empty due to anaesthesia
reduces stress
What are the different ASA grades?
What questions should you ask yourself when choosing a drug for anaesthesia?
Why am I choosing this drug? What benefits will it bring to this process?
What are the side effects?
What will I do if the side effects become a problem?
What species is this drug licensed for?
What routes can it be given by?
What is the onset time?
What is the duration of effect?
Can the drug be antagonised? What with?
Can the drug be “topped up”? If not, what is my plan B?
If the effects are not sufficient, what’s my back up plan?
