Hypothermia and Shivering

Hypothermia Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of less than 36 degrees Celsius. Core body temperature can be measured in the nasopharynx, distal esophagus, tympanic membrane, and pulmonary artery. Skin is generally much cooler than core temperature. Mechanisms…

IV Fluids and Resuscitation

Overview Definition of terms Term Definition Osmosis Spontaneous movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of low solute concentration to one of high solute concentration, which tends to equalize the solute concentration on either side of the…

Shock

Overview Shock is defined as a state of global cellular and tissue hypoxia due to either reduced oxygen delivery, increased oxygen consumption, inadequate oxygen utilization, or a combination of these processes. Shock is almost always caused by low blood pressure…

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (NMBAs)

Overview NMBAs facilitate intubation, mechanical ventilation, and surgical relaxation. Categories of NMBAs Category Examples Depolarizing Succinylcholine Non-depolarizing Atracurium, Cisatracurium, Rocuronium, Vecuronium Agent ED 95 (mg/kg) Intubating Dose (mg/kg) Onset (min Duration to 25% recovery (min) Intra-op maintenance Metabolism and Excretion…

Local Anaesthetic Agents

Local Anaesthetics Local anesthetics provide analgesia and anaesthesia by disrupting the conduction of impulses along nerve fibers. They block voltage-gated Na+, thus inhibiting the influx of sodium and preventing an action potential from being reached. They are weak bases in…