Surgical Pharmacology Flashcards

Which local anesthetic is an ester-type agent commonly used for spinal anesthesia?

Answer: Tetracaine

Tetracaine is an ester-type local anesthetic frequently used for spinal (intrathecal) anesthesia.

What is the primary mechanism of action of heparin in surgical patients?

Answer: Activates antithrombin III to inhibit thrombin

Heparin works by activating antithrombin III, which then inhibits thrombin and other clotting factors.

Which drug is used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines administered during surgery?

Answer: Flumazenil

Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that competitively reverses sedation and respiratory depression.

Epinephrine is often added to local anesthetics for which primary purpose?

Answer: To reduce systemic toxicity by causing vasoconstriction

Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction at the injection site, slowing absorption and reducing systemic toxicity while prolonging the block.

Which antibiotic class is most commonly used for surgical site infection prophylaxis?

Answer: Cephalosporins

First-generation cephalosporins such as cefazolin are the standard for most surgical prophylaxis due to their gram-positive coverage and safety profile.

Succinylcholine causes a prolonged block in patients with pseudocholinesterase deficiency because:

Answer: The enzyme responsible for its metabolism is absent or abnormal

Succinylcholine is normally hydrolyzed by plasma pseudocholinesterase; a deficiency results in prolonged neuromuscular blockade.

What is the antidote for heparin overdose in the surgical setting?

Answer: Protamine sulfate

Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin by binding to it and forming an inactive complex.