Surgical Pharmacology & Anesthesia Flashcards

Which local anesthetic agent is an AMIDE and is most commonly used for spinal anesthesia?

Answer: Bupivacaine

Bupivacaine (Marcaine) is an amide local anesthetic widely used for spinal anesthesia due to its long duration of action.

The scrub technologist's primary responsibility regarding medications on the sterile field is to:

Answer: Label all medications and solutions immediately upon receiving them

All medications and solutions on the sterile field must be labeled immediately with drug name, concentration, and any other required information to prevent medication errors.

Which reversal agent is used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression in surgical patients?

Answer: Naloxone

Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression by competing at opioid receptors.

Malignant hyperthermia is triggered by which class of anesthetic agents?

Answer: Volatile halogenated agents and succinylcholine

Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening hypermetabolic crisis triggered by volatile halogenated anesthetics and succinylcholine in genetically susceptible patients.

Which medication is the definitive treatment for malignant hyperthermia?

Answer: Dantrolene sodium

Dantrolene sodium is the specific antidote for malignant hyperthermia; it acts by inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle.

Epinephrine is added to local anesthetic solutions for surgical procedures primarily to:

Answer: Cause vasoconstriction and prolong anesthetic duration

Epinephrine causes local vasoconstriction, which slows systemic absorption of the anesthetic, prolongs its duration, and reduces bleeding at the operative site.