EDAIC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EDAIC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which viscoelastic test parameter represents clot formation rate? → Alpha angle (TEG/ROTEM)
2. Which test best reflects the extrinsic coagulation pathway? → Prothrombin time (PT)
3. Which regional anesthesia consideration is most important when planning a brachial plexus block for AV fistula creation in a CKD patient? → Limit local anesthetic dose because of altered protein binding increasing free drug
4. During a hypertensive crisis, sodium nitroprusside acts primarily by: → Releasing nitric oxide causing smooth muscle relaxation
5. The primary buffer system responsible for buffering CO2 in the blood is: → Bicarbonate buffer system (CO2/HCO3-)
6. Which neuromuscular blocking agent is preferred in a patient with end-stage renal disease to avoid accumulation of active metabolites? → Atracurium
7. The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve is shifted to the RIGHT by which combination of factors particularly relevant during thoracic surgery? → Acidosis, hyperthermia, increased 2,3-DPG
8. A second-generation supraglottic airway device (e.g., LMA Supreme, i-gel) differs from a first-generation device primarily by: → Incorporating a gastric drainage channel and improved oropharyngeal seal
9. Another word that might describe complex carbohydrates is... → Polysaccharide
10. Ketamine's dissociative anesthetic effect is mediated primarily by: → Non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonism
11. In a patient with placenta previa requiring cesarean delivery, which anesthetic consideration is MOST important? → Prepare for massive hemorrhage and have blood products ready
12. The fail-safe valve on an anesthesia machine is designed to prevent delivery of a hypoxic mixture by: → Cutting off nitrous oxide flow if oxygen pressure falls below threshold
13. The hepatic artery supplies approximately what percentage of total hepatic blood flow? → 25%
14. In a rotameter (variable-area flowmeter), what keeps the bobbin floating at a fixed height for a given flow rate? → Balance between gravity and the upward drag force of gas flow
15. In chronic pain management, what mechanism underlies the analgesic effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)? → Inhibition of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake in descending inhibitory pathways
16. Which of these functional groups are you not going to find in a carbohydrate? → Sulfhydryl -SH
17. Which size supraglottic airway device (LMA Classic) is recommended for an adult patient weighing 70 kg? → Size 4
18. The Bodok seal (plastic/neoprene washer) on a gas cylinder yoke serves to: → Create an airtight seal between the cylinder valve and the yoke to prevent gas leaks
19. At very prolonged infusion durations (>10 hours), how does the context-sensitive half-time of remifentanil compare to that of fentanyl? → It remains dramatically shorter than fentanyl's context-sensitive half-time
20. In the antecubital fossa, what is the positional relationship of the median nerve to the brachial artery? → Medial to the artery
21. Which volatile anesthetic is associated with the highest risk of laryngospasm in pediatric patients? → Desflurane
22. A patient has a suspected intravascular injection during an epidural test dose with epinephrine. Which response confirms intravascular placement? → Heart rate increase >20 bpm within 60 seconds
23. Compound A, a nephrotoxic vinyl ether, is produced when which agent reacts with desiccated CO2 absorbent? → Sevoflurane
24. In thoracic epidural analgesia for open thoracotomy, the optimal dermatomal level of catheter insertion is: → T4-T8
25. Which of these elements is NOT a constituent of Carbohydrates? → Nitrogen
26. Which physiological feature of the neonate makes them particularly vulnerable to opioid-induced respiratory depression? → Immature blood-brain barrier with higher CNS penetration
27. High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) extends safe apnea time primarily by: → Flushing anatomical dead space with oxygen and generating a small CPAP effect
28. Which property of a gas is described by the Beer-Lambert law as it applies to pulse oximetry? → Light absorption is proportional to concentration and path length
29. Which uteroplacental characteristic is MOST relevant when selecting opioids for cesarean section spinal anesthesia? → pH partitioning causes opioid trapping in fetal circulation
30. During cardiopulmonary bypass at 28°C, the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl will be most affected by: → Reduced hepatic blood flow and metabolic enzyme activity