Obstetric Anesthesia II Flashcards
When can systemic medications be used for labor pain relief?
When neuraxial analgesia is unavailable, refused, or contraindicated.
What are the disadvantages of using systemic medications for labor pain relief?
- Often inadequate pain relief.
- Risks of fetal and maternal respiratory depression.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Decreased lower esophageal sphincter tone.
Why are controlled, randomized trials comparing neuraxial and IV analgesia in labor challenging to conduct?
High protocol failure rates.
What did a systematic review of studies involving over 9600 women comparing neuraxial analgesia to opiates find?
- Neuraxial techniques offer better pain relief.
- Reduced risk of fetal acidosis.
How has the use of parenteral narcotics in early labor changed with the evolution of obstetric anesthesia?
- Declined usage.
- Early labor patients are now acceptable candidates for neuraxial analgesia.
Which Analgesics are used in the parturient?
- Meperidine
- Fentanyl
- Butorphanol
- Nalbuphine
What is the dose, onset, DOA, and PCA dosing for Meperidine (Demerol)?
25-50 mg IV (usual dose)
Onset: 5-10 min
DOA: 2-3 hr
PCA dose: 15 mg q10 min
Active metabolite that may last up to 3 days. Neonatal effect are most likely if delivery occurs between 1 and 4 hr after administration.
What is the dose, onset, DOA, and PCA dosing for Fentanyl?
- Dose: 1-2 mcg/kg IV
- Onset: 2-3 min
- DOA: 45 min
- PCA dose: 50 mcg/kg q10 min
Short-acting, no active metabolites, potent respiratory depressant for mother, minimal sedation and nausea.
What is the dose, onset, DOA, and PCA dosing for Butorphanol?
- Dose: 1-2 mg IV
- Onset: 5 min
- DOA: 2-3 hr
- PCA: N/A
Sedating for mother, ceiling effect for both analgesia and respiratory depression, dysphoric reactions, or withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent patients can occur.
What is the dose, onset, DOA, and PCA dosing for Nalbuphine?
- Dose: 10 mg IV
- Onset: 5 min
- DOA: 2-3 hr
similar profile to butorphanol
What are some nonpharmacologic alternatives for labor pain relief?
- Hydrotherapy.
- Hypnotherapy.
- Massage.
- Movement.
- Positioning.
What influences maternal satisfaction during childbirth more than the degree of pain endured?
Whether the birth event met the mother’s expectations.
What is the role of an obstetric anesthesia provider in supporting laboring women?
- To help women make informed choices that meet their expectations.
- Ensuring the safety of both mother and infant.
What is considered the best method of pain relief for labor and delivery?
Neuraxial analgesia.
What are common types of neuraxial anesthetics?
- Epidural.
- Combined spinal-epidural (CSE).
- Spinal techniques.
What defines labor as a prerequisite for neuraxial analgesia?
Regular uterine contractions result in cervical dilation and effacement.
When should early initiation of neuraxial anesthesia be considered?
- For parturients at increased risk of anesthetic or obstetric complications.
- Examples: morbid obesity, severe scoliosis, and known difficult airway.
What are the obstetric indications for early placement of neuraxial anesthesia?
- Multiple gestation pregnancies.
- Severe preeclampsia.
- Allows better positioning cooperation and time to confirm block function.
What are the absolute contraindications of neuraxial anesthesia?
- Patient refusal.
- Inability to cooperate.
- Uncorrected severe hypovolemia.
- Uncorrected coagulopathy or pharmacologic anticoagulation.
- Elevated intracranial pressure due to a mass.
- Infection at the insertion site.
What are some relative contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia?
- Stable preexisting CNS disease.
- Chronic severe headaches or back pain.
- Untreated bacteremia.
- Severe stenotic valvular lesions.
What should be considered for patients with preexisting conditions before neuraxial anesthesia?
- Careful pre-anesthetic evaluation and consultation.
- Assessing risks and benefits of the procedure.
Can patients with preexisting conditions safely receive neuraxial anesthesia?
Yes, with proper recognition and optimization of these conditions.
What technique is essential during the insertion of neuraxial anesthetics?
Strict aseptic technique.
What antiseptic should be considered the choice for neuraxial anesthetic placement?
Chlorhexidine gluconate in an alcohol-based solution.
What is often the easiest position for a laboring parturient during neuraxial anesthetic placement?
- Sitting position.
Offers maximum interspace width.
What advantage does the lateral position offer during neuraxial anesthetic placement?
Reduces the incidence of intravascular catheter placement.
What is the patient’s position for Epidural anesthesia?
- sitting up
- Laying down (sideways)
What are the characteristics of epidural analgesia for labor?
- Popular, safe, and effective.
- Provides labor analgesia.