Don't forget - Key info Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is an easy mnemonic for remembering factors that potentiate neuromuscular blockade?
A:
“4 A’s + LEMONS”
Aminoglycosides
Antiarrhythmics
Anesthetics (volatile)
Antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines, clindamycin)
Plus:
Lithium
Electrolyte imbalances (↓K⁺, ↓Ca²⁺, ↑Mg²⁺)
Magnesium
Organ dysfunction (liver/kidney)
Neuromuscular diseases (e.g., MG)
Sepsis
How do aminoglycosides and magnesium potentiate neuromuscular blockade?
A:
Aminoglycosides inhibit presynaptic calcium channels → ↓ ACh release
Magnesium competes with calcium and further reduces ACh release at the NMJ
How does calcium affect neuromuscular blockade?
Calcium promotes acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction.
Low calcium (hypocalcemia) → ↓ ACh release → potentiates blockade
High calcium (hypercalcemia) → ↑ ACh release → antagonizes blockade
Which nerve innervates all intrinsic laryngeal muscles except one?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN).
Which intrinsic laryngeal muscle is NOT innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve?
Cricothyroid.
What is the innervation of the cricothyroid muscle?
External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN).
What is the function of the cricothyroid muscle?
Tenses and elongates the vocal cords to raise pitch.
What is a mnemonic to remember the cricothyroid’s innervation?
‘Cricothyroid sings high, so it’s superior’ (SLN).
What is the function of the thyroarytenoid muscle?
Relaxes (shortens) the vocal cords.
What nerve innervates the thyroarytenoid muscle?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Which muscle abducts (opens) the vocal cords?
Posterior cricoarytenoid.
What is a mnemonic to remember the posterior cricoarytenoid?
‘PCA = Pulls Cords Apart’.
Which nerve innervates the posterior cricoarytenoid?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Which muscle adducts (closes) the vocal cords?
Lateral cricoarytenoid.
What is a mnemonic to remember the lateral cricoarytenoid?
‘LCA = Let’s Close Airway’.
Which muscles close the posterior glottis?
Transverse and oblique arytenoids.
What nerve innervates the transverse and oblique arytenoids?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve.
What happens with unilateral RLN injury?
Hoarseness.
What happens with bilateral RLN injury?
Airway obstruction due to midline vocal cords.
What happens with SLN injury?
Inability to hit high notes and voice fatigue.
