CSFA Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia 3

Question 1

Which medication is administered to prevent bradycardia when succinylcholine is used in pediatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Atropine

Answer

Atropine is given prior to succinylcholine in children to prevent the profound bradycardia that succinylcholine can cause in the pediatric population.

Question 2

Dantrolene's role in treating malignant hyperthermia is to:

Accepted Answer

Inhibit calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Answer

Dantrolene prevents the uncontrolled release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle, halting the hypermetabolic cascade of MH.

Question 3

Which opioid is associated with 'wooden chest syndrome' (chest wall rigidity) when given in large or rapid IV doses?

Accepted Answer

Fentanyl

Answer

Fentanyl and other potent synthetic opioids can cause rapid-onset chest wall rigidity, impairing ventilation and requiring NMB agent treatment.

Question 4

The anesthesia provider asks the CSFA to irrigate the wound with epinephrine-containing solution. The PRIMARY reason for epinephrine in local anesthetic solutions is to:

Accepted Answer

Produce vasoconstriction and prolong analgesia

Answer

Epinephrine causes local vasoconstriction, which slows absorption of the local anesthetic, prolongs its effect, and reduces systemic toxicity.

Question 5

Which class of drugs is used to treat intraoperative hypertension by relaxing vascular smooth muscle through direct nitric oxide release?

Accepted Answer

Nitrates

Answer

Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, sodium nitroprusside) release nitric oxide, causing vasodilation and rapid reduction of blood pressure.

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assistant Practice Test

CSFA Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia 3