Learning Hints Booklet

Question 1

What is suxamethonium apnoea?

Answer 1

This occurs when a patient has been given suxamethonium, a muscle relaxant) but does not have the enzymes to metabolise it. Subsequently they remain paralysed for an increased length of time and cannot breathe adequately at the end of an anaesthetic

Question 2

When might malignant hyperthermia occur?

Answer 2

Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to particular drugs that are often used during surgery and other invasive procedures (particularly anaesthetic gases)

Question 3

What are the symptoms/signs of malignant hyperthermia? (5)

Answer 3

1. Muscle rigidity (severe muscle contractions)
2. Rhabdomyolysis
3. Pyrexial
4. Acidosis
5. Tachycardia

Question 4

What is the recommendation given to people who smoke who require general anaesthesia? What are smokers more at risk of?

Answer 4

To stop smoking at least 24 hours before the operation. This is because smokers are 38% more likely to die after surgery compared to non-smokers.
Smokers are more at risk of:
1. Lung and heart complications
2. Post-operative infection
3. Impaired wound healing
4. Longer hospital stays and higher drug doses
5. Being admitted to ICU
6. Increased risk of emergency re-admission