Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications that relieve or reduce pain. Their actions are analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. Perioperatively, using NSAIDs…
An introduction to the autonomic nervous system As many procedures and drugs used in anaesthetic practice have a direct influence on the autonomic nervous system,…
Anaesthetics for obese patients The prevalence of obesity has tripled over the past 40 yrs and there are now more than 650 million obese adults…
Safe tracheal extubation This article covers complications occurring during emergence, extubation and later in recovery. It details the DAS guidelines on safe extubation and explains…
An introduction to Pain Pathways This module provides a basic overview of the important pain pathways and how they work. It also covers how pain…
The respiratory system – The process of respiration This module covers the physiological process of respiration, of which breathing is only the first stage. The…
The respiratory system – Organs and Structures of the Respiratory System This module covers the anatomy of the respiratory system. The major organs of the…
Airway adjuncts and intubation aids Airway adjuncts are designed to increase the success rate of basic airway manoeuvres, help maintain spontaneous respiration or ensuring successful…
Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents This module discusses aspiration which is a relatively rare, but potentially fatal complication of general anaesthesia occurring most commonly in…
Perioperative Hypothermia Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia can occur in up to 40% of surgical patients so it essential for theatre practitioners to know what causes it…
Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity is rare but when it does occur its onset may be sudden and life-threatening so it is…
Understanding capnography This module explains the basic principles of capnography, discusses EtCO2 waveforms, and how to interpret them in the ventilated patient. Length of Study:…
Enhanced Recovery From Surgery (ERAS) Enhanced recovery is a modern evidence-based approach that helps people recover more quickly after having major surgery. Many hospitals – although…
Air Embolism & anaesthesia There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with air embolism. It is therefore important to have an awareness of its risk…
Post dural puncture headache Post dural puncture headache is unpleasant, it may interfere with a new mother’s ability to care for her newborn and it…
Latex Allergies Latex allergies can be present in both staff and patients. Perioperative workers have to be aware of the causes and consequences of latex products…
Tracheostomy fundamentals Tracheostomies are becoming more common and the consequences of a misplaced tube can be serious so a good understanding of them is essential.…
Peri-operative Management of Patients on Strong Opioids It is very common to encounter patients on strong opioid medication. These patients present particularly challenging pain management…
Arterial Blood Gas Analysis This module explains how to do a simple easy to understand arterial blood gas analysis. How to use the 5-step approach…
COPD and Anaesthesia Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a commonly encountered respiratory disorder. Patients with COPD pose a challenge to the anaesthetist because intraoperative…
Diabetes & Anaesthetic Management This module covers the affect of diabetes on the surgical patient and why intraoperative blood glucose control and frequent measurement of…
The Difficult Paediatric Airway There are anatomical and physiological differences between the infant, child and adult that make even the normal paediatric airway difficult for…
Apnoea & Pre-oxygenation Pre-oxygenation is used in anaesthesia to prolong the time to desaturation during a period of apnoea, such as frequently happens upon induction.…
Paediatric Anaesthetic Emergencies: Pt I Paediatric anaesthetic emergencies can happen faster and leave less time to react then in adults. They present complex, potentially life-threatening…
Paediatric Anaesthetic Emergencies: Pt 2 Paediatric anaesthetic emergencies can happen faster and leave less time to react the in adults. They present complex, potentially life-threatening…
Postoperative Nausea & Vomiting PONV can be common after surgery, although some patient groups are more prone to this than others. This module discusses this and…
Understanding your ECG: a review Health professionals use the electrocardiograph (ECG) rhythm strip to systematically analyse the cardiac rhythm. Before the systematic process of ECG…
Temperature Management in Children Maintenance of normothermia in children under going surgery is challenging. There is clear evidence in adults that even mild intra-operative hypothermia…
Laryngospasm in Anaesthesia Recognition of at-risk patients will help to prevent laryngospasm and avoid potential significant morbidity. This module discusses laryngospasm, its recognition, prevention and…
Sugammadex: an overview Sugammadex is an effective and safe agent for reversing neuromuscular blockade, in particular all depths of rocuronium-induced blockade. Sugammadex provides a real…
Urea & Electrolytes: a review Urea and electrolytes (U&Es) are the most frequently requested biochemistry tests. They provide useful information about several aspects of health,…
Paediatric Pain Good quality, effective management of pain in paediatric patients is an essential component of paediatric anaesthesia. However, achieving this can be difficult for…
Ketamine in anaesthetic practice Ketamine is the only anaesthetic available which has analgesic, hypnotic and amnesic effects. When used correctly it is a very useful…
Morphine – Still the gold standard Still popular and widely used. This brief module reviews the basics of morphine, its uses, side effects and doses.…