WEEK 4-FLIPPED CLASS Flashcards
What does ECG stand for?
Electrocardiography
What is the primary purpose of ECG monitoring in anesthesia?
Real-time assessment of cardiac function
Which ECG lead is standard for rhythm analysis?
Lead II
What is the role of the V5 lead in ECG monitoring?
Enhances detection of anterior ischemia
List the three types of ECG systems mentioned
- 3-Lead ECG System
- 5-Lead ECG System
- 12-Lead ECG System
What does the P wave in an ECG represent?
Atrial depolarization
What does the QRS complex in an ECG reflect?
Ventricular depolarization
What does the T wave in an ECG indicate?
Ventricular repolarization
What are common sources of artifacts in ECG monitoring?
- Patient movement
- Lead-wire displacement
- Electrocautery use
- 60-Hz interference
Fill in the blank: Lead II and V5 monitoring improves _______
detection capability.
What is the significance of ST depression (>1 mm, 80 msec after J-point)?
High likelihood of myocardial ischemia
What does the J-point signify in an ECG?
The point where the QRS complex ends and the ST segment begins
What is the preferred method of noninvasive blood pressure monitoring in the US?
Oscillometry
What is Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) formula?
MAP = DP + (SP - DP)/3 or ((DP x 2) + SP)/3
What factors can contribute to inaccurate blood pressure readings?
- Cuff position relative to the heart
- Cuff size
- Patient movement
What is a contraindication for using a blood pressure cuff?
- Bone fractures
- Open injuries
- Arteriovenous fistulas
- Previous lymph node dissection
What is the purpose of a precordial stethoscope?
Auscultating heart and breath sounds
What is the function of the balloon on an esophageal stethoscope?
Covers the distal tip for placement in the esophagus
True or False: Continuous intraoperative ECG monitoring is optional for patients under general anesthesia.
False
Fill in the blank: The 5-lead ECG system is particularly advantageous for _______ patients.
high-risk
What are the phases of Korotkoff sounds used in blood pressure measurement?
- Phase 1: Systolic measurement
- Phase 5: Diastolic measurement
What does arterial tonometry measure?
Arterial blood pressure
What is a common complication of repeated blood pressure cuff use?
Limb ischemia
What should be done if a patient’s blood pressure cuff is positioned 12 inches below the heart?
Adjust the reading by -24 mmHg
What is the purpose of using conductive gel in ECG monitoring?
Enhance electrode-skin conductivity
What should be done to minimize artifacts in ECG monitoring?
- Proper lead placement
- Stable electrode contact
- Minimize patient movement
What is the recommended cuff size for accurate blood pressure measurement?
Cuff bladder should encircle ≥ 50% of the patient’s extremity
What is the primary function of a precordial stethoscope?
To auscultate heart and lung sounds by placing the metallic bell on the patient’s chest.
How should an esophageal stethoscope be inserted?
Dip the ballooned tip in lubricant, then insert the catheter into the mouth or nose through the pharynx into the esophagus.
What is a key benefit of using esophageal stethoscopes?
Higher quality detection of turbulent breath sounds not identifiable with electric monitoring.
What are the risks associated with esophageal stethoscopes?
Insertion can cause trauma and bleeding, misplacement can create a cuff leak.
True or False: Esophageal stethoscopes can be used on non-ventilated patients.
False
What is capnography?
The continuous monitoring of end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2).
What is the normal range for mean PaCO2 in adults?
35-45 mmHg.
What are the two types of devices used to monitor EtCO2?
- Non-diverting (mainstream) * Diverting (side stream)
What is the primary use of capnography in anesthesia?
Monitoring patient ventilation and confirming endotracheal tube placement.
What are the three phases of capnography?
- Phase I - Dead Space * Phase II - Mixture of dead space and alveolar gas * Phase III - Alveolar gas plateau
What does an elevated EtCO2 indicate?
Increased CO2 delivery/production or hypoventilation.
What is the Beer-Lambert Law in relation to pulse oximetry?
It relates changes in absorbed light intensity transmitted through blood to the concentration of hemoglobin.
What is the clinical significance of pulse oximetry for CRNAs?
Provides real-time monitoring of oxygenation, detects hypoxemia and hypoventilation.
Fill in the blank: Pulse oximeters do not measure the quantity of _______.
hemoglobin.
What is the normal range for SpO2 accuracy in modern pulse oximeters at 70% - 100% saturation?
Within 2% to 3%.
What is a limitation of pulse oximetry?
Poor indicator of adequate ventilation, may take time to detect desaturation.
What can interfere with pulse oximetry readings?
- Carboxyhemoglobin * Methemoglobin * Electrocautery * Ambient light sources
True or False: The function of pulse oximeters with ventricular assist devices depends on the patient’s residual cardiac function.
True
What is the effect of hypoxemia during anesthesia?
Low arterial oxygen levels (PaO2 < 60 mmHg) can lead to complications.
What is indicated by a depression during phase III of the EtCO2 waveform?
Spontaneous respiratory effort.
What should be done if CO2 absorbent exhaustion is suspected?
Monitor for elevated EtCO2 and consider early signs of respiratory acidosis.
What should be done before radial artery cannulation to test for adequate perfusion?
Utilize pulse oximetry instead of the Allen’s test.
What strategies can minimize interference in pulse oximetry?
• Secure placement
• Choosing appropriate sites
Recognizing and troubleshooting signal artifacts or false readings is also important.
What is the significance of moving the oximetry site centrally in low perfusion states?
It helps improve accuracy of readings when peripheral blood flow is compromised.
Suggested sites include the nose, ear, and forehead.
What advances have been made in pulse oximetry technology?
• Multi-wavelength technology for accurate measurement of carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin
• Pulse oximeters utilizing reflectance technology
These advancements improve accuracy during patient movement and low-perfusion states.
True or False: There are contraindications to pulse oximetry.
False
Pulse oximetry is considered safe for all patients.
What are the implications of false readings from pulse oximeters?
False readings can negatively impact patient outcomes and should be documented.
Documentation is crucial in anesthesia records.
What is the normal core body temperature in humans?
37 degrees Celsius
This temperature can vary between patients.
Define hypothermia in terms of core body temperature.
Core body temperature of less than 36 degrees Celsius.
It is commonly caused by anesthesia which inhibits thermoregulation and causes vasodilation.
What is malignant hyperthermia?
A genetic hypermetabolic muscle disease triggered by certain anesthetics.
It leads to an uncontrolled release of intracellular calcium, resulting in sustained muscle contraction and hypermetabolism.
What is the normal operating room temperature range?
20 to 24 degrees Celsius (68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
This range helps maintain patient safety during surgery.
What are common noninvasive temperature monitoring methods?
• Temporal
• Axillary
• Oral
• Tympanic
• Nasopharynx
• Esophageal
• Bladder
• Rectal
• Pulmonary artery
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages concerning accuracy and invasiveness.
Fill in the blank: The most significant mechanism of heat loss in humans is _______.
Radiation
Humans lose heat through radiation, convection, conduction, and evaporation.
What is the treatment for shivering in the postoperative period?
• IV dose of meperidine 12.5-25 mg
• Warming blankets
• Forced-air warming device (bear hugger)
Shivering can occur due to hypothermia or effects of anesthetic agents.
What are the common causes of hypothermia during surgery?
• General and regional anesthesia
• Radiant heat loss
• Cool ambient temperature in the operating room
Prolonged exposure of large wounds and high flow of unhumidified gases can also contribute.
What is the role of preoperative warming?
To reduce the phase one decline in core temperature by minimizing heat loss to the environment.
It is especially important for patients with specific comorbidities.
What is a disadvantage of tympanic temperature monitoring?
Possible trauma to the ear drum if the provider pushes in too far.
Infrared devices may also be less accurate.
What are the advantages of using a pulmonary artery catheter for temperature monitoring?
It provides a definite reflection of core temperature.
However, it is invasive and carries risks of infection.