Clinical Scenarios & Anesthetic Implications
Explore our collection of anesthesia scenarios covering various patient populations, surgical procedures, and special considerations. Each scenario provides evidence-based approaches to common and complex anesthesia challenges.
Cardiac Patient for Non-Cardiac Surgery
A 68-year-old male with ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. He has a history of myocardial infarction 2 years ago and takes multiple cardiac medications.
Pediatric Airway Management
A 3-year-old child with recurrent croup presents for adenotonsillectomy. The child has a history of difficult intubation during previous anesthesia. Parents report occasional stridor during sleep and upper respiratory infections.
Obstetric Emergency
A 32-year-old pregnant patient at 38 weeks gestation presents for emergency cesarean section due to fetal distress. She has pre-eclampsia with BP 168/110 mmHg and proteinuria. Rapid sequence induction required.
Trauma with Full Stomach
A 25-year-old male involved in a motor vehicle accident requires emergency laparotomy for suspected splenic injury. The patient ate a full meal 1 hour before the accident. Cervical spine precautions are necessary.
Geriatric Patient with Cognitive Impairment
An 82-year-old female with moderate dementia and osteoporosis presents for hip fracture repair. She takes multiple medications including anticoagulants. Postoperative delirium is a significant concern.
Morbid Obesity in Bariatric Surgery
A 45-year-old female with BMI of 52 presents for laparoscopic gastric bypass. She has obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Difficult airway and positioning challenges are anticipated.
Hepatic Dysfunction in Major Surgery
A 58-year-old male with alcoholic cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B) requires open colectomy for colon cancer. He has ascites, coagulopathy, and impaired drug metabolism. Careful fluid management and coagulation monitoring needed.
Neuromuscular Disease
A 30-year-old male with myasthenia gravis presents for thymectomy. He is on pyridostigmine and prednisone. Special considerations for muscle relaxants and postoperative ventilation are required.
Severe Asthma Exacerbation
A 40-year-old female with poorly controlled asthma presents for emergency appendectomy. She is currently experiencing wheezing and shortness of breath. Recent steroid use and bronchodilator therapy complicate anesthetic planning.
Renal Failure for Vascular Access
A 55-year-old male with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis requires arteriovenous fistula creation. He has hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and fluid overload. Careful management of electrolytes and fluid balance is critical.
Difficult Airway in ENT Surgery
A 45-year-old male with a large neck mass presents for biopsy and possible excision. The mass is causing tracheal deviation and compression. Awake fiberoptic intubation is planned due to anticipated difficult airway.
Pheochromocytoma Resection
A 35-year-old female with diagnosed pheochromocytoma presents for laparoscopic adrenalectomy. She has labile hypertension and episodic tachycardia. Adequate alpha and beta blockade preoperatively is essential.
