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Anesthesia Student Survival Guide.pdf - Index of

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Table 16.3 (continued)<br />

Problem Differential<br />

diagnosis<br />

Pulseless<br />

electrical<br />

activity (PEA)<br />

Severe electrolyte<br />

abnormality<br />

Myocardial infarction<br />

Severe metabolic acidosis<br />

Pneumothorax<br />

Pericardial tamponade<br />

Remarks<br />

COMMON INTRAOPERATIVE PROBLEMS ● 257<br />

Treat underlying causes.<br />

with acetaminophen or ibupr<strong>of</strong>en and diphenhydramine, and usually do not<br />

result in any significant sequelae.<br />

Non-immunogenic problems related to transfusion <strong>of</strong>ten occur with massive<br />

transfusion (>4 units <strong>of</strong> packed red blood cells). Complications include<br />

hypothermia, hyperkalemia, dilution <strong>of</strong> coagulation factors, thrombocytopenia,<br />

and citrate toxicity causing hypotension.<br />

Severe transfusion reactions most commonly occur because <strong>of</strong> clerical or<br />

transporting error after typing and crossmatching blood. Careful checking <strong>of</strong><br />

blood products with patient identification is the best single measure to prevent<br />

these types <strong>of</strong> reactions. Management <strong>of</strong> a severe transfusion reaction is found<br />

below in Table 16.4.<br />

Miscellaneous Intraoperative Problems<br />

Foley (bladder) catheters: If the Foley catheter was working but suddenly<br />

stopped putting out urine, check to see that it is not disconnected, kinked, or<br />

obstructed. This should be done before giving fluids or diuretics. A malfunctioning<br />

Foley catheter may be the reason for low urine output.<br />

Nasogastric (NG) or orogastric (OG) tube related problems: The nasogastric<br />

or orogastric tube will need ongoing care to maintain patency. This is<br />

how the GI tract remains decompressed during surgery and in the perioperative<br />

period. Keep both lumens open by occasionally injecting small amounts <strong>of</strong><br />

air into each lumen while applying suction to the suction lumen. If the NG or<br />

OG is not working, it may be coiled or knotted. If possible, ask the surgeon to<br />

palpate it. If not, withdraw the NG/OG while maintaining suction. If the NG<br />

or OG does not come out with a little traction, do not force it: 1% <strong>of</strong> the time

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