Anesthesia

Question 1

What is general anesthesia?

Answer 1

Patient cannot be aroused, even with painful stimulus

Question 2

What is surgical anesthesia?

Answer 2

Sufficient analgesia & muscle relaxation to perform surgery

Surgical anesthesia is critical for performing invasive procedures without pain or movement.

Question 3

What is sedation?

Answer 3

Minimally aware or unaware, can be aroused by stimulus, drowsiness is seen

Sedation is often used for minor procedures to help patients relax.

Question 4

What is tranquilization?

Answer 4

Drug induced state of calm, reluctant to move, aware of surroundings but unconcerned

Tranquilization is used to reduce anxiety and agitation without complete sedation.

Question 5

What is hypnosis?

Answer 5

Drug induced sleep like state, patient cannot appropriately respond to stimuli

Hypnosis may be used in certain therapeutic settings or procedures.

Question 6

What is narcosis?

Answer 6

Drug induced, sleep like state, usually caused by narcotics

Narcosis can lead to a loss of sensation and consciousness.

Question 7

What is local anesthesia?

Answer 7

Loss of sensation in a small area by infiltrating the area around it

Local anesthesia is often used in minor surgical procedures.

Question 8

What is topical anesthesia?

Answer 8

Loss of sensation in a localized area by applying something on top of the skin ‘magic cream’

Topical anesthetics are commonly used for procedures like skin biopsies.

Question 9

What is regional anesthesia?

Answer 9

Loss of sensation in a limited area of the body by administering a local anesthetic close to the sensory nerves

Examples include epidurals and nerve blocks.

Question 10

What is balanced anesthesia?

Answer 10

Administering multiple drugs concurrently but in smaller quantities to attain maximum benefit of each drug, minimize adverse effects

This approach enhances patient safety and comfort during surgery.

Question 11

What is a potential risk for horses during recovery from anesthesia?

Answer 11

They can break legs

Horses have a rough recovery from anesthesia, which can lead to severe injuries.

Question 12

What unique ability do ruminants have during surgery?

Answer 12

They can regurgitate at any point

This ability can complicate surgical procedures.

Question 13

What type of support do large animals often require during anesthesia?

Answer 13

Ventilatory support

Due to their size and physiology, large animals may need assistance with breathing.

Question 14

What condition can large animals experience during prolonged procedures?

Answer 14

Pressure necrosis

This condition arises from sustained pressure on specific body areas during surgery.

Question 15

What condition are small patients prone to?

Answer 15

Hypoxemia and hypercarbia

Hypoxemia refers to low oxygen levels in the blood, while hypercarbia refers to elevated carbon dioxide levels.

Question 16

Which animal species are prone to airway blockages due to extra secretions?

Answer 16

Cats and ruminants

Airway blockages can lead to serious respiratory issues, especially in small patients.

Question 17

What condition are ruminants particularly prone to?

Answer 17

Bloat

Bloat is a serious condition characterized by the accumulation of gas in the digestive system, which can be life-threatening.

Question 18

How do neonates and pediatric patients handle injectable drugs?

Answer 18

They don’t have a fully developed liver and thus handle injectable drugs much differently.

This affects drug metabolism and clearance.

Question 19

What challenges do geriatric patients face regarding drug doses?

Answer 19

They may not be able to handle regular drug doses due to compromised liver and kidney function.

This can lead to increased risk of adverse drug reactions.

Question 20

What difficulties are associated with young patients during medical procedures?

Answer 20

They can be difficult to intubate and catheterize, are more sensitive to dosing errors, more prone to hypoxia and hypothermia, and have a lower respiratory drive.

These factors necessitate careful consideration in treatment and intervention.

Question 21

What is the difference between vomiting and regurgitation?

Answer 21

Vomiting: an active expulsion of stomach contents, proceeded by retching, only in conscious patients. Regurgitation: passive flowing of stomach contents in an awake OR unconscious patient, NOT proceeded by retching, results in flow of stomach contents into the esophagus & mouth.

Question 22

Why is it important to do a physical exam prior to surgery?

Answer 22

To make sure no abnormalities, if so - investigate.

Question 23

Why are thin patients at higher risk for surgery?

Answer 23

May have underlying diseases, more sensitive to drugs, predisposed to hypothermia

Thin patients often have less body fat, which can affect drug metabolism and temperature regulation.

Question 24

What are the risks associated with obese patients during surgery?

Answer 24

Compromised cardiovascular function, decreased lung volume, difficult venipuncture & auscultations, dosing based on lean body weight

Obesity can lead to various complications like obstructive sleep apnea and increased strain on the heart.

Question 25

What factors make young patients more at risk for surgery?

Answer 25

Underdeveloped liver, harder to intubate/catheterize, more sensitive to dosing errors, hypoxia, hypothermia, lower respiratory drive ## Footnote Young patients may have immature organ function, which affects drug clearance and respiratory stability.

Question 26

Why are old patients at higher risk for surgery?

Answer 26

Compromised liver and kidney function, may not handle regular doses ## Footnote Aging can lead to decreased organ function, increasing the risk of adverse reactions to anesthesia and medications.

Question 27

What is the importance of presurgical blood work?

Answer 27

Gives information about organ health & function, helps vet formulate an anesthetic plan, screen for conditions that increase patient risk, influence patient peri anesthetic management & allows preparation for potential complications ## Footnote Presurgical blood work is critical for ensuring patient safety during anesthesia and surgery.

Question 28

What is the importance of IV fluids?

Answer 28

Supports oxygen delivery, increases circulating blood volume & cardiac output (supports blood pressure & perfusion) ## Footnote IV fluids are essential in maintaining hemodynamic stability during surgical procedures.

Question 29

What is plasma? What does it do?

Answer 29

Plasma is a blood product and it expands blood volume or treats hypoproteinemia ## Footnote Plasma plays a crucial role in maintaining blood volume and protein levels in the body.

Question 30

Should colloids be given fast or slow?

Answer 30

SLOW! ## Footnote Administering colloids slowly helps prevent adverse reactions and complications.

Question 31

Is dextrose typically given on its own?

Answer 31

No ## Footnote Dextrose is often administered in combination with other fluids or medications to ensure proper nutrition and hydration.

Question 32

Who is more prone to fluid overload?

Answer 32

Cats ## Footnote Fluid overload can lead to various complications in cats, making them particularly vulnerable.

Question 33

What organ(s) are at greater risk during fluid overload?

Answer 33

Heart & kidneys ## Footnote These organs are critical in managing fluid balance and can suffer damage due to excessive fluid.

Question 34

What do we tend to see in patients experiencing fluid overload?

Answer 34

Signs: nasal & ocular discharge, chemosis, subq edema, increased lung sounds, resp rate, dyspnea, coughing, restlessness ## Footnote These signs indicate distress and potential complications due to fluid overload.

Question 35

What does intracellular mean?

Answer 35

Within the cell ## Footnote Refers to the fluid or components that are contained inside cells.

Question 36

What does extracellular mean?

Answer 36

Outside the cell ## Footnote Refers to the fluid or components that are located outside cells.

Question 37

Who needs to be fasted prior to surgery?

Answer 37

All animals need fasted, unless DVM says so ## Footnote Exceptions include pediatric, geriatric, and some exotic animals like rabbits.

Question 38

Who does not need fasting prior to surgery?

Answer 38

Pediatric, geriatric & some exotics (i.e. rabbits) ## Footnote These groups may have specific health considerations that make fasting unnecessary.