Oxygen and other

Question 1

What is the reasoning behind administering post GA oxygen for 72 hours

Answer 1

Anaesthetic agents cause resp depression and decrease central sensitivity to hypoxia and hypercapnia

Question 2

How is the effects of oxygen supplementation monitored

Answer 2

pulse oximetry and serial ABG

Question 3

What are some limitations to pulse oximetry

Answer 3

cant distinguish between CO and O
cant get a reading in hypovolaemia
doesnt reflect oxygen carrying capacity of Hb eg in anaemia
Is affected by movement and nail varnish

Question 4

How long should warfarin be stopped for pre op

Answer 4

stop 10 days before and if INR <1.5 can go ahead

substitued with LMWH given until the evening before surgery

Question 5

How long should clopidogrel be stopped for pre op

Answer 5

7 days

Question 6

When should the COC be stopped pre op

Answer 6

4 weeks

Question 7

Name some medications that are important to continue perioperatively

Answer 7

AED
parkinsons medication
steroids (may need to double)
antipsychotics
levothyroxine
HIV meds