Questions and Answers
What is a potential risk associated with long-term steroid therapy in surgical patients?
Which concurrent disease is NOT mentioned as potentially affecting the conduct of anesthesia?
How long before elective surgery should women on OCPs stop taking them to reduce thromboembolism risk?
Which of the following statements regarding alcohol abuse and surgery is correct?
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What potential consequence does drug therapy with cytotoxic and radiation therapies have in surgical patients?
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Why should aspirin or other antiplatelet drugs be stopped prior to elective surgery?
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Which symptom indicates a potential cardiopulmonary disease in surgical patients?
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What is a common issue faced by patients with a history of alcohol abuse during surgery?
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Study Notes
Important Points From Patient History
- Previous illnesses, such as pneumonia or asthma, can indicate underlying cardiopulmonary diseases.
- Symptoms like frequent urination, nocturia, and increased thirst may suggest genito-renal diseases or diabetes mellitus (acronym DEARTH).
Previous Operations and Anaesthetic Experience
- Previous complications, including drug hypersensitivity or allergic reactions, can be mitigated by careful history taking.
Concurrent Diseases Affecting Anaesthesia
- Diabetes increases risks during anaesthesia.
- Chest infections pose potential complications.
- Heart diseases can influence anaesthetic management.
- Myopathies may affect neuromuscular function and recovery.
Drug Therapy Implications
- Drug interactions with anaesthetic agents can disrupt homeostasis.
- Long-term steroid therapy weakens adrenocortical function, hindering adequate glucocorticoid responses during surgery; it also depresses lymphocyte activity and impairs wound healing.
- Women on oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) face increased risk for deep vein thrombosis; cessation of OCPs 6 weeks prior to elective surgery is advised.
- Cytotoxic and radiation therapies can impair immune functions and wound healing; infections may present atypically, making prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics essential during surgery.
- Aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs should be discontinued 7 days before elective surgery to minimize bleeding risks.
Social Habits Impacting Surgery
- Alcohol abuse can lead to increased anaesthetic requirements and negatively affect liver function and nutrition.
- Alcohol is a bone marrow toxin and increases postoperative morbidity by two- to three-fold.
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Description
This quiz covers important aspects of history and examination relevant to surgical patients. It focuses on prior illnesses, operations, and anaesthetic experiences, helping to identify potential complications such as drug allergies. Understand the key factors that could impact surgical outcomes.
