Muscle Relaxant Questions

Question 1

By what other term are muscle relaxants known?

Answer 1

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (NBAs) or muscle paralysing agents

Question 2

What do muscle relaxants do?

Answer 2

Interrupt transmission of impulses from motor nerve to muscle synapse

Act at nicotinic receptors to block release of acetylcholine

Question 3

What are the 2 classifications of muscle relaxants?

Answer 3

DEPOLARISING

NON-DEPOLARISING

Question 4

Name 1 muscle relaxant that may be used veterinary practice.

Answer 4

Vecuronium /Atracurium

Question 5

What type of muscle do muscle relaxants have their effect?

Answer 5

Skeletal muscle

Question 6

Name 2 circuits which are suitable to provide IPPV.

Answer 6

T piece + Bain

Question 7

State 3 disadvantages of muscle relaxants.

Answer 7

Hypothermia is a common side effect due to decreased muscle tone

It is difficult to assess anaesthetic depth

Patients require IPPV

Patients receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics, isoflurane, halothane , corticosteroids, some diuretics and epinephrine may be more susceptible to the effects of NBAs

Hypotension

Question 8

State 3 reasons why muscle relaxants may be used.

Answer 8

Thoracic surgery or diaphragmatic repair where rapid and complete control of ventilation is required, facilitating IPPV

Orthopaedic surgery where profound muscle relaxation is required

Ocular surgery to facilitate access to the globe and prevent eye movement

Occasionally used in caesarean section as they do not cross the placenta

Question 9

Name 1 drug that can be used to reverse a non-depolarising muscle relaxant.

Answer 9

edrophonium or neostigmine

Question 10

What are the names of the 2 Anticholinergic drugs which be administered alongside a reversal agent?

Answer 10

atropine or glycopyrrolate