CAA Risk Management & Mitigation 5

Question 1

Which strategy is MOST effective in preventing intraoperative awareness under general anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Using processed EEG monitoring in combination with age-adjusted MAC targets and vigilance

Answer

Combining processed EEG monitoring with MAC-based targets and clinical vigilance is the most effective multimodal strategy for preventing intraoperative awareness.

Question 2

A patient is found to have an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma during an elective cholecystectomy. The MOST dangerous immediate anesthetic risk is:

Accepted Answer

Hypertensive crisis and cardiovascular instability during tumor manipulation

Answer

Manipulation of an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma can cause life-threatening hypertensive crisis and arrhythmias due to massive catecholamine release.

Question 3

Which factor MOST increases the risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly surgical patients?

Accepted Answer

Preexisting cognitive impairment and prolonged deep anesthesia

Answer

Preexisting cognitive impairment combined with prolonged deep anesthesia (low BIS values) is a major risk factor for POCD in elderly patients.

Question 4

In the context of anesthesia risk management, what does the 'Swiss cheese model' describe?

Accepted Answer

Multiple layered defenses each with gaps; harm occurs when gaps align across all layers

Answer

Reason's Swiss cheese model illustrates that adverse events occur when gaps (latent failures) in multiple protective barriers align, allowing a hazard to reach the patient.

Question 5

A patient on chronic opioid therapy for chronic pain presents for surgery. What risk does this present for intraoperative anesthesia management?

Accepted Answer

Opioid tolerance requiring higher intraoperative doses and careful multimodal pain planning

Answer

Chronic opioid use causes tolerance, requiring higher intraoperative opioid doses and a multimodal pain management plan to achieve adequate analgesia.

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

(CAA) Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Test

CAA Risk Management & Mitigation 5