Perioperative Life Threatening Conditions Flashcards
Anaphylaxis
What is it?
Signs & Symptoms
Treatment
Severe life threatening allergic reaction.
Rash, itching, swelling of the throat & tongue, difficulty breathing or breathing fast, difficulty swallowing, tightness in the throat, hoarse voice, wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing.
IM adrenaline, high flow oxygen, monitoring, IV fluid bolus.
Malignant Hyperthermia
What is it?
Signs & Symptoms
Treatment
Rare genetic condition where anaesthetic drugs & gases cause a rapid and dangerous rise in body temperature.
Muscle spasms, tachycardia, increase in CO2, increase in body temperature, sweating and/or mottled skin.
Remove trigger drugs, administer dantrolene, increase ventilation, use cooling measures.
Suxamethonium Apnoea
What is it?
Signs & Symptoms
Treatment
Given suxamethonium but does not have the enzymes to metabolise it and therefore remains paralysed for a long time.
Nerve stimulator shows muscle paralysis, no signs of breathing or waking up, tachycardia, hypertension, sweating, dilated pupils.
Continue ventilation until relaxant wears off, monitor in ITU.
Local Anaesthetic Toxicity
What is it?
Signs & Symptoms
Treatment
Haemorrhage
Seizure
Cardiac Arrest
Choking
