Unit 1 Module 2 (Exam 1) Flashcards
What is the main reason for obtaining baseline vital signs during pre-op assessment for shoulder surgery?
A. To assess patient hydration
B. To monitor for Bezold-Jarisch reflex
C. To measure respiratory rate trends
D. To identify allergies
B. To monitor for Bezold-Jarisch reflex
“we really need to make sure that we are
monitoring our hemodynamics, especially our heart rate and blood pressure. Hence we
need our baseline”
Slide 7
Which of the following diagnoses is NOT commonly associated with shoulder surgeries?
A. Rotator cuff tear
B. Glenohumeral instability
C. Labral tear
D. Subacromial stenosis
D. Subacromial stenosis
Slide 7
What should be prioritized in pre-op planning for shoulder surgeries?
Select 2
A. Pre-existing nerve conduction
B. Assessing airway
C. Monitoring body temperature
D. Assessing for Carpal tunnel syndrome
A. Pre-existing nerve conduction
B. Assessing airway
slide 7
Which are the main positioning options for shoulder surgeries? Select 3
A. Beach chair
B. Sitting Position
C. Supine
D. Prone
E. Lateral decubitus
A. Beach chair
B. Sitting Position
E. Lateral decubitus
“the beach chair we use, because as you can see in the picture on the right, the knees are flexed, the legs are elevated and it
prevents the pulling of the hamstrings to the gluteal muscles and then our lower
back muscles.”
Slide 8
What is a critical consideration for securing the patient during shoulder surgery positioning?
A. Positioning the arms for IV access
B. Rotating the patient frequently
C. Securing the head, neck, hips, and legs
D. Keeping the patient supine at all times
C. Securing the head, neck, hips, and legs
Slide 8
Securing the head and neck during positioning for shoulder surgeries prevents __________.
A. Muscle strain
B. Airway obstruction
C. Blood pooling
D. Skin breakdown
B. Airway obstruction
Slide 8
True or False
The ultimate responsibility with positioning lies only with the surgeon and the anesthesia provider.
False
“it is a shared responsibility”
* Surgeon
* Anesthesia provider
* Operating room nurses
* PA/RNFA
* Scrub Tech
* Other O.R. personnel
Slide 9
Positioning the patient in surgery involves __________ and potential risks.
A. Physiologic changes
B. Extended surgical time
C. Reducing blood flow
D. Increasing airway resistance
A. Physiologic changes
Slide 9
What happens to central blood volume in the sitting position?
A. It increases due to improved venous return
B. It decreases due to pooling in the lower body
C. It remains unchanged
D. It increases due to elevated heart rate
B. It decreases due to pooling in the lower body
Slide 10
Due to pooling of blood in the lower body during the sitting position, which parameters might increase in response to BP and CO decreasing?
A. Heart rate and systemic vascular resistance
B. Cardiac output and arterial blood pressure
C. Functional residual capacity and CBF
D. Blood pressure and respiratory rate
A. Heart rate and systemic vascular resistance
Slide 10
How does the sitting position affect lung volumes and functional residual capacity (FRC)?
A. Both decrease
B. Both remain unchanged
C. Both increase
D. Lung volumes decrease, while FRC increases
C. Both increase
Slide 10
What is a neurovascular consideration in the sitting position?
A. Increased cerebral blood flow
B. Increased intracranial pressure
C. No change in cerebral blood flow
D. Decreased cerebral blood flow
D. Decreased cerebral blood flow
Slide 10
What is the incidence rate of venous air embolism in patients in the sitting position?
A. 10%
B. 25%
C. 40%
D. 60%
C. 40%
Slide 11
Which of the following positions are associated with venous air embolism?
A. Supine, lateral decubitus, reverse Trendelenburg
B. Sitting, prone, reverse Trendelenburg
C. Supine, prone, Trendelenburg
D. Sitting, lateral decubitus, Trendelenburg
B. Sitting, prone, reverse Trendelenburg
Slide 11
To prevent venous air embolism, it is important to maintain __________ at the wound site.
A. Negative pressure
B. Neutral pressure
C. Venous pressure above 0
D. Arterial pressure above 0
C. Venous pressure above 0
Slide 11
What increases the risk of venous air embolism in the sitting position during surgery?
A. Open venous vessels above the heart level
B. Use of mechanical ventilation
C. Reduced systemic vascular resistance
D. High central venous pressure
A. Open venous vessels above the heart level
Slide 12
Approximately what percentage of the population has a patent foramen ovale, increasing the risk of severe VAE?
A. 10–20%
B. 20–30%
C. 30–40%
D. 40–50%
B. 20–30%
Air may reach the cerebral and coronary circulation via a patent foramen ovale
Slide 12
Venous air embolism occurs when air enters open venous vessels and travels to the __________ and interfers with blood flow to the pulmonary artery.
A. Left atrium
B. Superior vena cava
C. Pulmonary veins
D. Right ventricle
D. Right ventricle
Slide 12
Which of the following are potential consequences of venous air embolism?
Select 3
A. Pulmonary edema
B. Reflex bronchoconstriction
C. Increased arterial blood pressure
D. Acute cardiovascular collapse
E. Reflex bronchodilation
F. Decreased venous blood pressure
A. Pulmonary edema
B. Reflex bronchoconstriction
D. Acute cardiovascular collapse and arterial hypoxemia
Slide 12
What is the first step in managing a suspected venous air embolism?
A. Apply bilateral compression of the jugular veins
B. Discontinue nitrous oxide
C. Inform the surgeon
D. Place the patient in a head-down position
C. Inform the surgeon and prevent further air entrainment
They can prevent it by further entraining air, by irrigating with whatever irrigant fluid that they have on the table, and applying an occlusive dressing. An occlusive dressing can be in the form of any wetsponge or such as with open craniotomies, they can apply bone wax to secure or to close that areas to avoid further entrainment or further absorption of air from the incision site
Slide 13
What is the purpose of placing the patient in a head-down position during venous air embolism treatment?
A. To increase venous return
B. To trap air in the right atrial apex
C. To reduce arterial pressure
D. To increase systemic vascular resistance
B. To trap air in the right atrial apex and prevent pulmonary artery entry
Slide 14
What can be used to directly remove air during venous air embolism management?
A. Endotracheal suction
B. Pulmonary artery catheter
C. Intravenous cannula
D. Right atrial catheter
D. Right atrial catheter
Slide 14
Which of the following are treatments for venous air embolism? Select 2
A. Use inhalational anesthetics to reduce air expansion
B. Discontinuing nitrous oxide
C. Bilateral compression of jugular veins.
D. Placing the patient in a head-down position
B. Discontinuing nitrous oxide
C. Bilateral compression of jugular veins.
Slide 14
In venous air embolism management, cardiovascular collapse is treated using __________.
A. Vasopressors like ephedrine and phenylephrine
B. Bronchodilators like albuterol
C. Antiarrhythmics like amiodarone
D. Diuretics like furosemide
A. Vasopressors like ephedrine and phenylephrine
Slide 14
Why is the superior vena cava and right atrium junction ideal for CVP catheter placement in VAE? Select 2
A. It minimizes interference with arterial blood flow
B. It is close to the SA node, aiding in identification
C. It is close to the AV node, aiding in identification
D. It is where air tends to accumulate
B. It is close to the SA node, aiding in identification
D. It is where air tends to accumulate
Slide 15
The Doppler Ultrasound transducer is a non-invasive indicator of a venous air Embolism (VAE) in the sitting patient. Where do you place the probe on the chest?
A. over the left ventricle
B. over the mediastinum
C. over the right atrium
D. over the pulmonary artery
C. over the right atrium
Doppler ultrasound at the second or third intercostal space
Slide 16
What is the most sensitive non-invasive indicator of venous air embolism?
A. Mill-wheel murmur
B. Decreased end-tidal CO2
C. Doppler ultrasound
D. Transesophageal echocardiography
C. Doppler ultrasound
the transducer at the second or third intercostal space to the right of the sternum (over the right atrium)
Slide 17
The most definitive tool for diagnosing venous air embolism is __________.
A. Doppler ultrasound
B. Mill-wheel murmur auscultation
C. Transesophageal echocardiography
D. Pulse oximetry
C. Transesophageal echocardiography
Slide 17
The characteristic sound of venous air embolism detected by stethoscope is a __________ murmur.
A. Mill-wheel
B. Pericardial rub
C. Continuous hum
D. Diastolic click
A. Mill-wheel
Slide 17
A sudden drop in end-tidal CO2 during surgery indicates __________.
A. Increased pulmonary perfusion
B. Decreased lung perfusion
C. Improved gas exchange
D. Hyperventilation
B. Decreased lung perfusion due to air embolism
Slide 17
What is a key consideration when positioning a patient in the sitting position?
A. Ensuring pressure on the eyes to stabilize the head
B. Hyperextending the neck to maintain alignment
C. Flexing the neck to secure the airway
D. Padding all pressure points to prevent injury
D. Padding all pressure points to prevent injury
Slide 18
What are key measures to take when positioning a patient in the sitting position?
Select 2
A. To ensure easier access for surgical tools
B. Avoid pressure on the eyes
C. Place the patient’s head in a hyperextended position
D. Secure the head properly to prevent slipping
B. Avoid pressure on the eyes - using goggles if needed
D. Secure the head properly to prevent slipping - ABD pads, coban, Allen head rest
You can see that the head is super
neutral. I love that, not only neutral, right? Super neutral, as you can see with
the figure 26-1
Slide 18
What is the primary reason for intentional hypotension during shoulder surgery?
A. To improve oxygen delivery to the brain
B. To minimize anesthetic drug requirements
C. To prevent retinal ischemia
D. To enhance surgical field visibility
D. To enhance surgical field visibility
slide 19
What is a potential complication of prolonged induced hypotension? Select 2
A. Increased blood flow to the eyes
B. Ischemic optic neuropathy
C. Retinal ischemia
D. Hyperperfusion of the surgical field
B. Ischemic optic neuropathy
C. Retinal ischemia
Slide 19
What are key components of eye protection during surgery? Select 2
A. Preventing blindness
B. Using gauze to cover the eyes
C. Preventing dry eye syndrome
D. Avoiding pressure on the eyes
A. Preventing blindness
D. Avoiding pressure on the eyes
slide 19
How should an arterial line be aligned to monitor cerebral perfusion pressure during surgery?
A. At the level of the
B. At the external meatus of the ear
C. At the level of the wrist
D. At the base of the skull
B. At the external meatus of the ear
Circle of Willis
Slide 19
When using non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, where should the cuff be placed during shoulder surgery?
A. On the non-operative arm
B. On the operative arm
C. On the lower leg
D. On the operative wrist
A. On the non-operative arm
you have your blood pressure, you have your pulse ox, you have your IV, all on the non-operative side
Slide 19
What is the standard decrease in blood pressure per centimeter of height gradient between the heart and brain?
A. 0.57 mmHg
B. 0.67 mmHg
C. 0.77 mmHg
D. 1.07 mmHg
C. 0.77 mmHg
There is a 77% or 0.77 mmHg decrease for every centimeter height gradient between brain and heart
Slide 20
What is the normal distance range between the heart and brain in centimeters?
A. 5–15 cm
B. 10–20 cm
C. 10–30 cm
D. 15–35 cm
C. 10–30 cm
slide 20
What should you do if the calculated cerebral perfusion pressure is too low during surgery?
A. Administer less fluid to decrease blood pressure
B. Reduce diastolic pressure further
C. Tank the patient with fluids to increase diastolic pressure
D. Use nitrous oxide to maintain systolic pressure
C. Tank the patient with fluids to increase diastolic pressure
Tanking means increasing the administration of fluid so that your diastolic increases, but you maintain your systolic below 100 by giving them gas or propofol.
Slide 20
If the BP at the heart/arm is 120/80, and there is 20 cm distance to the head then the BP at the brain is at?
A. 95/55
B. 100/60
C. 105/65
D. 125/75
C. 105/65
20 cm X 0.77=15
120 sBP – 15 = 105
80 dBP -15 = 65
Slide 21
What is the most commonly preferred anesthetic for shoulder procedures?
A. Spinal anesthesia
B. Local anesthesia
C. General endotracheal anesthesia
D. Sedation only
C. General endotracheal anesthesia with muscle relaxation
Slide 25
Which block is most commonly used for shoulder procedures?
A. Epidural block
B. Brachial plexus block
C. Femoral nerve block
D. Transversus abdominis plane
B. Brachial plexus block
Slide 25
You can use either a _________ or ____________ approach for anesthesia of the shoulder by targeting the brachial plexus.
Select 2
A. Interscalene
B. Lumbar plexus
C. Femoral
D. Supraclavicular
E. Axillary
A. Interscalene
D. Supraclavicular
Slide 25
What is the Bezold-Jarisch reflex characterized by?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Tachycardia and hypertension
C. Hypertension and increased preload
D. Tachycardia and decreased intraventricular volume
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
Slide 26
What is the primary cause of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex during shoulder surgery in the sitting position?
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Decreased preload
C. Excessive sedation
D. Hypervolemia
E. Overuse of muscle relaxants
B. Decreased preload due to venous pooling
Slide 26
What physiological condition is associated with a hypercontractile ventricle in the Bezold-Jarisch reflex?
A. Increased afterload
B. Increased intraventricular volume
C. Decreased intraventricular volume
D. Decreased myocardial contractility
C. Decreased intraventricular volume
Slide 26
Which intervention can help prevent the Bezold-Jarisch reflex during surgery?
A. Administering preemptive Zofran
B. Reducing muscle relaxant dosage
C. Decreasing the patient’s preload
D. Avoiding the sitting position
A. Administering preemptive Zofran
We usually need to increase preload because this is usually related to venous pulling because of the sitting position
Slide 26
Which nerve is affected in hemidiaphragmatic paresis during a brachial plexus block and can cause respiratory depression?
A. Sciatic nerve
B. Median nerve
C. Vagus nerve
D. Phrenic
D. Phrenic
Side 28
Horner syndrome, a possible side effect of a brachial plexus block, includes all of the following symptoms EXCEPT:
A. Ptosis
B. Miosis
C. Hyperhidrosis
D. Anhidrosis
C. Hyperhidrosis
Slide 28
What is a key concern with hoarseness and dysphagia following a brachial plexus block?
A. Increased risk of airway obstruction
B. Loss of motor function in the arms
C. Increased pain perception
D. Bradycardia
A. Increased risk of airway obstruction
…they don’t have a lot of control over their
secretions or what if there could be passive or active regurgitation… leading to aspiration pneumonitis.
Slide 28
Which postop PACU factors should be addressed in a shoulder surgery patient?
A. Pain management plan
B. Presence of nerve injury
C. Postoperative anesthesia type
D. Elderly
E. Extent of surgical positioning
A. Pain management plan - opioids vs RA
B. Presence of nerve injury
D. Elderly- delirium/confusion
Admitted vs discharged
Slide 29
What are essential preoperative anesthetic considerations for patients with elbow fractures? Select 2
A. NPO status
B. Bowel function
C. Nerve injury assessment
D. Soft tissue damage
E. Elbow range of motion exam
A. NPO status
C. Nerve injury assessment
Preop
* Fracture?
* Nerve injury?
* Mobility
* Typical assessment
Slide 31
What are the most common patient positions for elbow procedures?
A. Prone or sitting
B. Supine or Trendelenburg
C. Lateral or prone
D. Supine or lateral
D. Supine or lateral
Slide 32
Why is the infraclavicular or axillary approach preferred for brachial plexus block in elbow surgeries?
A. It provides better coverage for the shoulder.
B. It reduces the risk of respiratory complications.
C. It ensures full coverage of the elbow region.
D. It avoids nerve injury completely.
C. It ensures full coverage of the elbow region
slide 32
What happens to cardiac output in the lateral decubitus position?
A. It increases significantly due to venous pooling.
B. It remains unchanged unless venous return is obstructed.
C. It decreases due to increased vascular resistance.
D. It fluctuates depending on the patient’s lung volume.
E. It remains unchanged regardless of positioning.
B. It remains unchanged unless venous return is obstructed.
…venous return is obstructed, such as with the use of a kidney rest
Slide 33
What is a possible effect on arterial blood pressure in the lateral decubitus position?
A. It increases due to venous congestion.
B. It remains constant unless the patient is ventilated.
C. It decreases due to decreased vascular resistance
D. It fluctuates based on lung compliance.
C. It decreases due to decreased vascular resistance
right side > left side
Slide 33
In a ventilated patient in the lateral decubitus position, what is a key concern for the dependent lung? Select 2
A. Hyperventilation
B. Decreased ventilation
C. Increased perfusion
D. Increased ventilation
E. Decreased perfusion
B. Decreased ventilation - dependent lung is relatively underventilated due to compression by the weight of the mediastinum and abdominal contents
C. Increased perfusion -Gravity causes pulmonary blood flow to favor the dependent lung
V/Q Mismatch–> Hypoxemia
Slide 33
What factors further decrease dependent lung ventilation in the lateral decubitus position for ventilated patients?
A. Paralysis and open chest procedures
B. Supine positioning with mechanical ventilation
C. Vascular resistance and venous pooling
D. Spontaneous ventilation and lateral supports
A. Paralysis and open chest procedures
Slide 33
For spontaneously breathing patients in the lateral decubitus position, what is typically observed in the dependent lung?
A. Decreased ventilation
B. Decreased perfusion and ventilation
C. Increased ventilation
D. Increased perfusion with no ventilation changes
C. Increased ventilation
without V/Q mismatch
Slide 33
Ventilation in the ____ lung is increased during mechanical ventilation due to increased compliance.
A. Dependent
B. Non-dependent
C. Lower
D. Middle
B. Non-dependent
The nondependent lung is relatively overventilated because its compliance is increased
Slide 35
What is the primary purpose of placing an axillary roll in the lateral decubitus position?
A. To prevent respiratory compromise in the dependent lung.
B. To maintain proper alignment of the non-dependent shoulder.
C. To elevate the dependent arm for improved circulation.
D. To avoid compression of the neurovascular bundle in the dependent axilla.
D. To avoid compression of the neurovascular bundle in the dependent axilla.
Slide 36
The axillary roll in the lateral decubitus position is placed ______ to the dependent axilla.
A. Above
B. Directly in
C. Just caudad
D. On the shoulder
C. Just caudad
”..of course it’s over the chest level as opposed to the arm level of the patient.
Slide 36
When in the lateral decubitus position, to confirm neurovascular integrity in the dependent arm, the ______ pulse should be checked periodically.
A. Radial
B. Brachial
C. Carotid
D. Ulnar
A. Radial
Slide 37
Where is a pulse oximeter placed to monitor for neurovascular compromise in the lateral decubitus position?
A. Non-dependent hand
B. Dependent hand
C. Non-dependent foot
D. Dependent shoulder
E. Non-dependent axilla
B. Dependent hand
Slide 37
To prevent stretching of the brachial plexus, the upper arm should rest on a ______.
A. Foam wedge
B. Rolled towel placed in the axilla
C. Flat surface directly on the patient’s chest
D. Allen arm rest
D. Allen arm rest
Slide 38
Why is it important to on the dependent eye in the lateral decubitus position?
A. To prevent stretching of the extraocular muscles
B. To ensure adequate drainage of tears
C. To maintain proper alignment of the facial structures
D. To avoid blindness, whether temporary or permenant
D. To avoid blindness, whether temporary or permenant
Slide 39
What should be done to the dependent ear during lateral positioning?
A. Ensure it is flat against the head without folding.
B. Cover it with a gel pad to prevent pressure sores.
C. Rotate it slightly away from the head.
D. Place it directly on the bed for stability.
A. Ensure it is flat against the head without folding.
Slide 39
Why is it important to place a pillow between the knees in the lateral decubitus position?
Select 2
A. To prevent venous stasis
B. To pad bony prominences
C. To stabilize the thighs
D. To avoid nerve stretch
B. To pad bony prominences
D. To avoid nerve stretch
Slide 39
Which device can be used to maintain the neck in neutral alignment during the lateral decubitus position? Select 3
A. Axilla roll
B. Donut
C. Pillow
D. Shea
E. Bean bag
B. Donut
C. Pillow
D. Shea
Slide 39
True or False
If it looks uncomfortable to you, it is uncomfortable for the patient.
True
Slie 39
Which body parts require special attention to avoid pressure-related injuries in the lateral decubitus position? Select 2
A. Independent eye
B. Independent ear
D. Breast
E. Genitalia
D. Breast
E. Genitalia
Slide 39
Why is it important to ensure proper abdominal excursion when using a beanbag?
A. To prevent hyperventilation
B. To avoid compression of the dependent lung
C. To allow unrestricted diaphragm movement during ventilation
D. To reduce the risk of venous pooling in the abdomen
E. To stabilize the chest wall
C. To allow unrestricted diaphragm movement during ventilation
Slide 40/41