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Anesthesia Student Survival Guide.pdf - Index of

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256 ● ANESTHESIA STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE<br />

Table 16.3 (continued)<br />

Problem Differential<br />

diagnosis<br />

Ventricular<br />

tachycardia<br />

Premature<br />

atrial<br />

contractions<br />

Atrial<br />

Fibrillation/<br />

Atrial Flutter<br />

Remarks<br />

Sympathomimetic drugs Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (found in cold remedies).<br />

Hypomagnesemia Occurs in alcoholism or after prolonged use <strong>of</strong> diuretics<br />

like furosemide.<br />

Hypokalemia Especially pronounced with digoxin.<br />

Hypothermia Patients who are post cardiopulmonary bypass or post<br />

exposure injury may have this.<br />

Hypercarbia In postoperative patients with pre-existing PVCs, mild<br />

hypercarbia in the PACU may cause increases in rates <strong>of</strong> PVCs.<br />

Hypocarbia If severe enough to cause respiratory alkalosis, PVCs<br />

may occur.<br />

Myocarditis PVCs are common with viral myocarditis.<br />

Toxic overdose <strong>of</strong> drug Unlikely, but can occur from antidepressants.<br />

Same causes as PVCs Ventricular tachycardia may be thought <strong>of</strong> as three or<br />

more PVCs in a row.<br />

Hypoxia or ischemia Most likely acute causes in the OR.<br />

Hypovolemia Rapid diuresis and its effect on volume sensors in the<br />

atria may cause PACs and atrial fibrillation.<br />

Hypertension PACs commonly occur with concomitant hypertension.<br />

Previous thoracic surgery PACs occur in 25–30% <strong>of</strong> patients undergoing thoracic<br />

(lung, mediastinal, or esophageal) surgery.<br />

Mediastinal infection Consider anastomotic leak in recent esophagectomy.<br />

Same causes as PACs Approach includes:<br />

1. Treat underlying causes<br />

2. Control the heart rate by slowing the ventricular<br />

response<br />

3. Convert back to sinus rhythm if possible<br />

Useful drugs include digoxin, diltiazem, metoprolol and<br />

amiodarone.<br />

Asystole Severe hypoxemia Treat underlying causes.<br />

Severe hypovolemia<br />

Severe electrolyte<br />

abnormality<br />

Myocardial infarction May require transcutaneous or transvenous pacing.<br />

Severe metabolic acidosis Treat underlying causes.<br />

Pneumothorax<br />

Pericardial tamponade<br />

(continued)

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