Random AA Questions Flashcards
What are the key considerations for maintaining cardiac stability during aortic cross-clamping?
- Decreased cardiac output
- Hypotension after clamp release
- Hypoxemia
- Blood clots
- Increased afterload
- Arrhythmias
Each point includes causes and management strategies.
What is the cause of decreased cardiac output during aortic cross-clamping?
The sudden increase in afterload reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
How can hypotension after clamp release be managed?
Preload optimization with fluid administration and careful use of vasopressors like norepinephrine.
What are the early signs of Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST)?
- Tinnitus
- Metallic taste
- Perioral numbness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Twitching
- Seizures
- Hypertension
- Bradycardia
- Arrhythmias
- Cardiac arrest
Symptoms can be neurological or cardiovascular.
What immediate actions should be taken if a patient shows symptoms of LAST during a regional block?
- Stop administering the local anesthetic
- Call for help
- Secure the airway and provide 100% oxygen
- Administer benzodiazepines if seizing.
What is the bolus dose for Intralipid therapy in managing LAST?
1.5 mL/kg IV over 1 minute.
What is the typical dose of Propofol for deepening anesthesia in a 20 kg pediatric patient?
40-60 mg IV.
What adjustments should be made for airway management in a 3-year-old undergoing tonsillectomy?
Intubate using an appropriately sized endotracheal tube, typically uncuffed, size 4.5-5.0 mm.
What is the recommended maintenance fluid rate for a 20 kg pediatric patient?
60 ml/hr using the 4-2-1 rule.
How should you manage postoperative pain for a patient after major abdominal surgery?
Consider using regional anesthesia, Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen.
What alternative techniques can be considered if direct laryngoscopy fails during difficult intubation?
- Video laryngoscopy
- Supraglottic airway devices
- Fiberoptic intubation.
What are the key anatomical considerations when positioning a patient for spine surgery?
- Spinal alignment
- Pressure points
- Avoiding nerve compression.
What challenges arise in administering anesthesia for endoscopic procedures?
Ensuring equipment and medications are available in remote locations.
What laboratory values are essential during aortic cross-clamping procedures?
- Hemoglobin
- Electrolytes
- Coagulation profile.
What steps should be taken during the emergence phase in patients with a difficult airway?
- Gradually reduce sevoflurane
- Monitor for laryngospasm
- Have emergency equipment available.
When ventilating a patient in volume-controlled mode during a laparoscopic procedure, what adjustments would you make?
Increase tidal volume or respiratory rate to accommodate increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Fill in the blank: The classic early signs of LAST include ______.
tinnitus, metallic taste, perioral numbness.
True or False: Increased afterload during aortic cross-clamping can lead to arrhythmias.
True.
What is the typical dose of Fentanyl for analgesia in a 20 kg pediatric patient?
20-40 mcg IV.
What is the main risk of prolonged cross-clamping during aortic surgery?
Increased risk of blood clot formation.
What is the maintenance dose of sevoflurane for pediatric patients after intubation?
1.2 MAC (~2-2.5%).
What is a key consideration when managing a patient with LAST after stabilization?
Transfer to a higher level of care for monitoring.
What is the recommended dose of epinephrine for cardiovascular support?
0.01 mg/kg
Avoid large doses of vasopressors or antiarrhythmics as they could worsen the situation.
What should be done if cardiac arrest occurs during a procedure?
Initiate CPR and continue lipid therapy
This is part of the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) protocol.
How long should a patient be monitored in the ICU after a crisis?
At least 12-24 hours
What is a key differentiator for hypoglycemia compared to LAST?
Blood glucose measurement shows low blood sugar (< 60 mg/dL)
Patients with diabetes or those on insulin/oral hypoglycemics are at risk for hypoglycemia.
What rapid intervention can resolve symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Administering glucose (IV dextrose)
What symptoms are similar between hypoglycemia and LAST?
Confusion, seizures, dizziness, tachycardia, altered mental status
True or False: A history of epilepsy is a strong clue for diagnosing a seizure disorder.
True
What are common symptoms of a stroke?
Confusion, dizziness, altered mental status, focal neurological deficits, seizures
Focal deficits might include unilateral weakness or facial droop.
What imaging technique is used to diagnose a stroke?
CT scan or MRI
What differentiates a panic attack from LAST?
No seizures or cardiovascular collapse
Panic attacks typically resolve quickly with reassurance.
What is a key sign of hypercarbia?
Elevated end-tidal CO₂ (above normal 35-45 mmHg)
What condition is characterized by muscle rigidity and rapid increase in body temperature?
Malignant Hyperthermia (MH)
What is the treatment for Malignant Hyperthermia?
Dantrolene and cooling measures
What should be done if direct laryngoscopy fails during intubation?
Consider alternative techniques
When should you switch techniques during intubation?
If visualization is poor, multiple attempts have failed, or oxygen saturation is declining
What is a video laryngoscopy used for?
Improved view of vocal cords when direct laryngoscopy fails
What is a supraglottic airway device?
Examples include Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) or i-gel
These are used when mask ventilation is difficult.
What is the advantage of fiberoptic intubation?
Allows for intubation under direct visualization of the airway anatomy
What should be avoided to prevent nerve damage during spine surgery?
Prolonged pressure on bony prominences and nerves
What is a key anatomical consideration during prone positioning for spine surgery?
Protecting the airway and ensuring neutral alignment of the cervical spine
What can happen due to improper chest and abdominal support during surgery?
Decreased venous return and increased intra-abdominal pressure
What is a critical risk of ocular compression during surgery?
Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION)
What is the purpose of proper chest and abdominal support in the prone position?
To prevent abdominal compression, which can restrict diaphragmatic movement, reduce venous return, and increase intra-abdominal pressure
Using a Jackson table or chest rolls is recommended for this support.
What complications can arise from abdominal compression during surgery?
- Decreased venous return
- Compromised cardiac output
- Elevated intrathoracic pressure
These factors can impede ventilation and are particularly critical in patients with pre-existing conditions.
What is ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) and its potential cause during surgery?
A condition that can cause permanent blindness due to ocular compression during prolonged prone procedures
Special headrests can be used to prevent pressure on the eyes.
What vascular considerations should be taken into account in prolonged prone positioning?
- Risk of venous pooling in lower extremities
- Potential for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) formation
- Compression of the inferior vena cava (IVC) or aorta affecting venous return
Intermittent pneumatic compression devices can help mitigate these risks.
Why is spine positioning critical during surgery?
To ensure proper thoracic, lumbar, and cervical spine alignment and avoid injury
This is especially important in procedures involving lumbar fusion or decompression.
What is a common peripheral nerve injury associated with improper positioning?
- Brachial plexus injury
- Ulnar nerve injury
- Common peroneal nerve injury
- Femoral nerve injury
Each injury results from specific positioning issues, such as arm abduction or pressure on the elbows.
What are potential ocular complications from prone positioning?
- Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION)
- Corneal abrasions
These complications can arise from prolonged pressure on the eyes.
What are the risks of skin breakdown during prone positioning?
Pressure ulcers can form on areas like the chest, iliac crests, elbows, and knees
Adequate padding and regular monitoring are essential to prevent skin injury.