FANZCA FANZCA Perioperative Care and Management 3

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of a preoperative anesthetic checklist in line with FANZCA and ANZCA standards?

Accepted Answer

To systematically verify equipment, medications, and patient safety parameters before induction of anesthesia

Answer

The anesthesia machine checklist ensures all equipment, drugs, and monitoring are functional and available before each case, reducing the incidence of preventable critical incidents.

Question 2

In the perioperative management of a patient on long-term anticoagulation, which agent is used as a bridging therapy in high-thrombotic-risk patients when oral anticoagulation must be interrupted for surgery?

Accepted Answer

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)

Answer

LMWH is used as bridging anticoagulation in high-risk patients (e.g., mechanical heart valves, recent VTE) when warfarin is held perioperatively, minimizing both bleeding and thromboembolic risk.

Question 3

Which intraoperative monitoring modality provides continuous real-time assessment of cerebral oxygenation during procedures at risk for cerebral hypoperfusion, such as carotid endarterectomy?

Accepted Answer

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) cerebral oximetry

Answer

NIRS cerebral oximetry uses near-infrared light to non-invasively measure regional cerebral oxygen saturation, providing continuous feedback during procedures risking cerebral hypoperfusion.

Question 4

What is the rationale for using a lung-protective ventilation strategy (tidal volumes 6–8 mL/kg IBW, PEEP 5–8 cmH2O) during general anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

To prevent ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and postoperative pulmonary complications

Answer

Low tidal volume ventilation with appropriate PEEP reduces alveolar overdistension and atelectrauma, decreasing the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications including pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Question 5

In perioperative temperature management, what adverse effect is most directly associated with intraoperative hypothermia (core temperature < 36°C)?

Accepted Answer

Coagulopathy, increased surgical bleeding, and wound infection risk

Answer

Intraoperative hypothermia impairs platelet function and clotting factor activity, increases surgical blood loss, promotes wound infection through vasoconstriction, and prolongs drug metabolism.

(FANZCA) Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Practice Test

(FANZCA) Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Practice Test

FANZCA FANZCA Perioperative Care and Management 3