Post-op Issues Of Anesthesia

Question 1

What are some post-op issues of anesthesia

Answer 1

Hypothermia
*common, efforts made to decrease shivering
Nausea and Vomiting
*identify those at high risk
*minimize chance, prophylactic treatment
Pain
*severity usually site dependent
*PO meds, IV opioids, epidural opiates, blocks

Question 2

What are some complications of anesthesia

Answer 2

1. Awareness
2. Peripheral nerve injury
3. Visual loss (partial or complete)

Question 3

How is awareness during surgery lessened

Answer 3

1. Pre-op eval
2. Pre-anesthesia prep
3. Intraoperative monitoring
4. Monitoring brain activity
5. BIS

Question 4

What is the most common nerve damaged during surgery

Answer 4

Ulnar nerve

Question 5

When does visual loss tend to become a complication

Answer 5

1. 6.5 hour spinal surgery
2. Prone position
3. Large blood loss

Question 6

What does malignant hyperthermia lead to

Answer 6

Prevention of calcium re-uptake
1. Leads to intense muscle contractions
2. Hypermetbolic state
3. Increase use of O2
4. Increased carbon dioxide
5. Increased temp
6. Respiratory and metabolic acidosis

Question 7

What is the treatment for malignant hyperthermia

Answer 7

IV Dantrolene

Question 8

What muscle is most effected by malignant hyperthermia

Answer 8

Masseter muscle
*difficult intubation / mouth opening

Question 9

What may be one of the earliest signs of malignant hyperthermia

Answer 9

Increased CO2 production

Question 10

What are alternative for malignant hyperthermia patients

Answer 10

1. Barbiturates
2. Narcotics
3. Benzo
4. Nitrous oxide
5. Propofol, local anesthetics, antihistamines