Lesson 1Cardiovascular complications: perioperative hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmias—assessment and pharmacologic interventionsThis section reviews perioperative hypertension, hypotension, and arrhythmias. It focuses on hemodynamic assessment, interpretation of monitoring data, medication classes, and nursing actions before, during, and after anesthesia.
Baseline hemodynamic assessmentRecognizing perioperative hypertension patternsManagement of intraoperative hypotensionCommon perioperative arrhythmiasVasoactive and antiarrhythmic medicationsLesson 2Spinal/regional anesthesia complications: high spinal, post-dural puncture headache, urinary retention, and neuro deficit monitoringThis section addresses spinal and regional anesthesia complications, including high spinal, post-dural puncture headache, urinary retention, and neurologic deficits. It emphasizes monitoring, prevention, and timely escalation of concerns.
Recognition of evolving high spinal blockManagement of post-dural puncture headacheMonitoring bladder function and retentionNeuro checks after regional techniquesPositioning and pressure injury preventionLesson 3Infectious complications and sepsis early detection: fever, wound assessment, cultures and escalationThis section addresses infectious complications and sepsis after anesthesia. It covers fever evaluation, wound assessment, culture collection, early sepsis indicators, and timely escalation using sepsis bundles.
Recognizing normal versus concerning feverSystematic postoperative wound assessmentObtaining blood and wound cultures safelyEarly sepsis screening tools and criteriaNursing role in sepsis bundle activationLesson 4General anesthesia complications: difficult airway, aspiration, malignant hyperthermia recognition and immediate responseThis section reviews major general anesthesia complications, including difficult airway, aspiration, and malignant hyperthermia. It outlines early warning signs, emergency responses, and critical nursing roles in crises.
Preparation for anticipated difficult airwayAspiration risk factors and preventionImmediate response to witnessed aspirationRecognition of malignant hyperthermia signsAssisting with dantrolene administrationLesson 5Documentation, reporting adverse events, and escalation pathwaysThis section explains accurate documentation of anesthesia events, structured reporting of adverse outcomes, and clear escalation pathways. It highlights legal, ethical, and safety implications of timely, complete communication.
Essential anesthesia record elementsUsing standardized incident reportsSBAR for urgent clinical communicationChain of command and escalation stepsLegal and ethical aspects of reportingLesson 6Nausea/vomiting and aspiration risk mitigation and treatment algorithmsThis section covers postoperative nausea, vomiting, and aspiration risk. It reviews risk stratification, prophylactic antiemetics, nonpharmacologic measures, and stepwise treatment algorithms for refractory symptoms.
PONV risk assessment toolsAntiemetic drug classes and timingNonpharmacologic PONV preventionRescue therapy for refractory PONVPositioning to reduce aspiration riskLesson 7Pain-related complications: uncontrolled acute pain, opioid adverse effects and multimodal approachesThis section explores pain-related complications, including uncontrolled acute pain and opioid adverse effects. It highlights multimodal analgesia, monitoring for oversedation, and patient-centered pain assessment strategies.
Comprehensive perioperative pain assessmentNon-opioid and regional analgesic optionsPreventing and treating opioid side effectsMonitoring for opioid-induced respiratory depressionPatient education on realistic pain goalsLesson 8Renal and metabolic complications in patients with CKD and diabetes: acute kidney injury prevention and glycemic excursionsThis section examines renal and metabolic complications in patients with CKD and diabetes. It emphasizes fluid balance, nephrotoxin avoidance, glycemic control, and early recognition of acute kidney injury.
Preoperative assessment in CKD and diabetesMonitoring urine output and creatinine trendsAvoiding nephrotoxic medications and contrastPerioperative insulin and glucose managementRecognizing early acute kidney injuryLesson 9MAC/local anesthesia complications: local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), inadequate sedation, airway compromise during sedationThis section covers MAC and local anesthesia complications, including LAST, inadequate sedation, and airway compromise. It details risk factors, early recognition, monitoring, and stepwise nursing interventions and prevention.
Risk factors for LAST in practiceEarly neurologic and cardiac signs of LASTIntralipid therapy preparation and supportMonitoring depth of sedation and comfortAirway support during procedural sedationLesson 10Respiratory complications: bronchospasm in asthma, hypoventilation, hypoxia, pulmonary edema recognition and managementThis section focuses on respiratory complications such as bronchospasm, hypoventilation, hypoxia, and pulmonary edema. It emphasizes assessment, oxygen therapy, airway adjuncts, and collaboration with anesthesia providers.
Assessment of work of breathingRecognition and treatment of bronchospasmMonitoring for hypoventilation and apneaPulse oximetry and capnography usePulmonary edema signs and interventions
