Anaesthetics

Question 1

Give a definition of anaesthesia

Answer 1

Drug induced, reversible loss of consciousness which allows surgery or other invasive procedure to take place. Thought about in 3 parts: hypnosis (unconsciousness), analgesia (pain relief), muscle relaxant (paralysis)

Question 2

What must be completed before any surgery or anaesthesia can take place?

Answer 2

WHO Surgical Safety Checklist

Question 3

Give 3 advantages of using the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist

Answer 3

Reduces wrong-site surgery, improves communication between all parties including the patient, and removes preventable errors

Question 4

What are the 4 stages of anaesthesia?

Answer 4

Induction
Maintenance
Emergence
Recovery

Question 5

Why is a muscle relaxant given during anaesthesia?

Answer 5

If intubation required, or if the surgery requires a still patient

Question 6

What are the two types of muscle relaxant given in anaesthesia? Give examples of each.

Answer 6

‘Depolarising’ e.g. suxamethonium

‘Non-depolarising’ e.g. atracurium