CPD modules: Pharmacology
You are free to download, print and study the modules. Once you have completed your reading come back and take the multichoice test. If you obtain a pass mark of over 80% you will have the option of printing out a certificate of completion.
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 difficulties in the peri-operative period due to behavioural, psychological and pharmacological consequences of opioid treatment. This module discusses the key concepts in the anaesthetic management of patients taking strong opioids and steps that can be taken to ensure optimum peri-operative care.
Length of Study: 80 min
Difficulty: Medium
Parkinson’s Disease & Anaesthesia
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system the causes of which are poorly understood. This module covers its management under anaesthetic, discusses which drugs are safe for use in this patient group and whether regional or GA anaesthetic are more appropriate.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Difficult
Understanding Central Venous Lines
This module discusses various types of central lines and central venous catheters (CVC). They are often needed in critically ill patients or in those requiring prolonged intravenous therapies that cannot be given orally or through peripheral lines.
Length of Study: 120 min.
Difficulty: Medium
Management of Major Obstetric Haemorrhage
Major obstetric haemorrhage is a common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality and the recognition of major obstetric haemorrhage can be challenging. This module discusses it causes, symptoms and importantly anaesthetic management of cases.
Length of Study: 75 min
Difficulty: Medium
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 prudent to spend time preventing rather than treating it. All theatre staff should be aware of the doses limits of local anaesthetics they use as well as the causes, signs and treatment of LAST.
Length of Study: 50 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Anaesthesia for the patient with a cardiac transplant
For patients who have previously received a cardiac transplant, coming to theatre for non-related surgery is no longer unusual as survival times continue to increase for transplant recipients. With altered physiology, and the effects of long term anti-rejection drugs use, their anaesthetic requirements are more complicated and it is essential to know what works and what doesn’t.
Length of Study 60 min
Difficulty: Medium
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 situations that everyone engaged in giving paediatric anaesthetic should be aware of and be able to treat.This first article covers laryngospasm and suxamethonium apnoea.
Length of Study: 50 min
Difficulty: Medium
Proact Creative™ PC-3000 Vital Signs Monitor (sponsored)
The Creative PC-3000 Multi Parameter Monitor is an ideal way of tracking the condition of the patient due to the clear and visual display and multiple readings. This patient monitor has easy readings and a long-lasting battery, making it suitable for constant use in a hospital/medical environment.
Malignant Hyperthermia
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare life-threatening condition that is usually triggered by exposure to certain drugs used for general anesthesia. This module reviews malignant hyperthermia, its clinical features and presentations as well as its management during an MH crisis.
This module is largely based on the ‘Malignant hyperthermia 2020 Guidelines’ from the Association of Anaesthetists.
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 alternative to neostigmine and this module covers everything you need to know.
Length of Study: 60 min
Difficulty: Easy
Muscle Relaxants: the fundamentals
The introduction of neuromuscular blocking drugs revolutionised the practice of anaesthesia. Before the advent of muscle relaxants, anaesthesia was induced and maintained by intravenous or inhalation agents.
This comprehensive module covers all aspects of neuromuscular muscle relaxants.
Length of Study: 90 min
Difficulty: Medium