QUESTIONS

1. How frequently should an anaesthetised animal be checked?
2. What instrument is used to find out the tidal volume of a patient?
3. List instruments useful in the monitoring of the anaesthetised animal.
4. Under general anaesthesia, the respiratory rate should be similar to the resting rate in a conscious animal. What might cause a reduced respiratory rate under anaesthesia?
5. Why is it essential to ensure that cardiac output is maintained during anaesthesia?
6. When monitoring pulse rate and depth, why is it advisable to palpate a peripheral pulse (such as the labial or sublingual) rather than a central pulse (such as the femoral)?
7. Blood pressure measurement provides a clear indication of the peripheral circulation. Describe 2 methods of monitoring blood pressure.
8. What might pale mucous membranes be indicative of?
9. What might cyanotic (blue) mucous membranes be indicative of?
10. List 4 conditions that may be indicated by an increased capillary refill time.
11. Why is the measurement of urine output useful in the monitoring of an anaesthetised patient?
12. How are reflexes used to assess the depth of anaesthesia?
13. List reflexes commonly used to assist in the assessment of the level of unconsciousness.
14. A patient is under anaesthesia; the pupils are dilated and the eyes are in a normal position. What is this indicative of?
15. Describe the position of the eye under moderately deep anaesthesia.
16. Why do patients become hypothermic during anaesthesia?
17. List the 5 categories of the anaesthetic period.
18. List methods in which the correct body temperature may be maintained during anaesthesia.
19. List actions taken during the pre-operative/preparation period.
20. The pre-anaesthetic/pre-medication period involves the administration of premedicant drugs. List common reasons for the use of pre-meds (see Module 3).
21. List the 4 stages of anaesthesia.
22. Briefly describe the stage of voluntary excitement.
23. Briefly describe the stage of involuntary excitement.
24. Describe the planes of surgical anaesthesia.
25. Describe signs of anaesthetic overdose.
26. Why should excess levels of anaesthesia be avoided?
27. Why is it essential to maintain an adequate depth of anaesthesia?