Anesthesiology Mnemonics

Anesthesiology Mnemonics

Spinal anesthesia agents "Little Boys Prefer
Toys":
Lidocaine
Bupivicaine
Procaine
Tetracaine

Xylocaine: where not to use with epinephrine "Nose, Hose,
Fingers and Toes"
· Vasoconstrictive effects of xylocaine with epinephrine are helpful in
providing hemostasis while suturing. However, may cause local ischemic necrosis
in distal structures such as the digits, tip of nose, penis, ears.

General anaesthesia: equipment check prior to inducing 
MALES:
Masks
Airways
Laryngoscopes
Endotracheal tubes
Suction/ Stylette, bougie

Endotracheal intubation: diagnosis of poor bilateral breath sounds
after intubation DOPE:
Displaced (usually right mainstem, pyreform fossa, etc.)
Obstruction (kinked or bitten tube, mucuous plug, etc.)
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Esophagus

Anesthesia machine/room check MS MAID:
Monitors (EKG, SpO2, EtCO2, etc)
Suction
Machine check (according to ASA guidelines)
Airway equipment (ETT, laryngoscope, oral/nasal airway)
IV equipment
Drugs (emergency, inductions, NMBs, etc)

Anesthesia: quick check SOAP:
Suction
Oxygen
Airway
Pharmacology

Anesthetics equipment check MISMADE:
Machine check
IV supplies
Suction
Monitors
Airways
Drugs
Equipment

Failed intubation: causes INTUBATION:
Infections of larynx
Neck mobility abnormalities
Teeth abnormalites (eg poor dentifom, loose and protuberant teeth)
Upper airway abnormalities, strictures, or swellings
Bullsneck deformities
Ankylosing spondylitis
Trauma/ TumourInexperienceOedema of upper airwayNarrowing
of lower airway

Respiratory complications of anaesthesia: patients at risk
COUPLES:
COPD
Obese
Upper abdominal surgery
Prolonged bed rest
Long surgery
Elderly
Smokers