Surgical Pharmacology & Anesthesia Flashcards

Which type of anesthesia involves injection of anesthetic into the subarachnoid space?

Answer: Spinal anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia (intrathecal anesthesia) involves injection of local anesthetic directly into the subarachnoid space where cerebrospinal fluid is present.

Which neuromuscular blocking agent is depolarizing and has the fastest onset?

Answer: Succinylcholine

Succinylcholine is the only depolarizing neuromuscular blocker in clinical use, with the fastest onset (60 seconds) and shortest duration, ideal for rapid sequence intubation.

The surgical technologist notices heparin and thrombin are both on the sterile back table. The greatest risk is:

Answer: Accidental IV injection of thrombin causing systemic coagulation

Thrombin must never be injected intravenously as it causes widespread intravascular coagulation and death; it is only for topical hemostatic use.

Which irrigation solution, if absorbed in large quantities during TURP procedures, can cause hyponatremia and TUR syndrome?

Answer: Glycine 1.5%

Glycine 1.5% is a non-electrolyte hypotonic irrigant used in TURP; absorption of large volumes can cause dilutional hyponatremia and TUR syndrome.

Protamine sulfate is administered intraoperatively to:

Answer: Reverse the effects of heparin

Protamine sulfate is the specific reversal agent for heparin anticoagulation, forming an inactive complex with heparin molecules.

Which agent is used as a topical hemostatic on the sterile field and is derived from bovine thrombin combined with gelatin?

Answer: Gelfoam with thrombin

Gelfoam (absorbable gelatin sponge) saturated with thrombin creates an effective topical hemostatic agent that promotes clot formation when applied to bleeding surfaces.