Perioperative management

Question 1

How much Na and K is required in maintenance fluids?

Answer 1

Na 50-100mmol/day - 154 mmol in 1L NaCl 0.9%
K 40-80mmol/day

Question 2

Which muscle relaxant causes hyperkalaemia?

Answer 2

Suxamethonium
It induces generalised muscular contractions and therefore results in hyperkalaemia

Question 3

Which anaesthetic agent is a depolarising neuromuscular blocking drug?

Answer 3

Suxamethonium
(aka succinylcholine)

Question 4

What is the reversal agent for non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs?

Answer 4

Neostigmine

Question 5

A deficiency in which of the enzyme will result in apnoea and will require prolonged ventillatory support following suxmethonium?

Answer 5

pseudocholinesterase

Question 6

How long prior to surgery should clopidogrel be stopped?

Answer 6

5-7 days

Question 7

Which anaesthetic agent is associated with hepatotoxicity?

Answer 7

Halothane

Question 8

Which organism is mostly likely to colonise on plastic?

Answer 8

Staphylococcus epidermidis

• very difficult to eradicate
• forms a biofilm which allows it to colonise with other bacteria