DIFFICULT AIRWAY
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CLINICAL SKILLS
station
GENERAL
EXAMINATION
General physical examination is an important clinical skill. During case presentation a fluent and prudent clinical examination, including assessment of airway, vascular access, spine examination and regional examination (when a peripheral nerve or plexus block is contemplated) can help the candidate to impress the examiner and confidently proceed to relevant systemic examination and anesthesia management.
AIRWAY
EXAMINATION
WHAT ANESTHESIOLOGIST CAN'T MISS OUT
The airway assessment is of paramount importance, as this skill defines the anesthesiologist's preparedness.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM EXAMINATION
Examination of CVS involves a sequential and orderly examination. Examination of the arterial and venous pulses, the blood pressure and the precordium (inspection, palpation, percussion) should precede auscultation.
RESPIRATORY
SYSTEM
EXAMINATION
The key components include examination of the Upper Respiratory Tract and examination of the chest.
GASTROINTESTINAL
SYSTEM
In addition to the points in general examination, mention (only if present) signs of chronic liver disease or liver failure.
CENTRAL
NERVOUS
SYSTEM
The proper neurological examination is very much demanding and tedious. As anesthesiologists, we need to be familiar with all the clinical examination skills. However, for the board exam purpose, a candidate is expected to perform relevant tests and present in an orderly manner.
LARYNGOSCOPY
PROCEDURE
Direct laryngoscopy displaces the pharyngeal soft tissues to create a direct line of vision from the mouth to the glottic opening. Adequate glottic exposure during laryngoscopy often depends on the correct patient positioning.
Anesthesia machine checkout
This is also known as "Cockpit drill". This very essential skill can be mastered only by routine practice. Follow the link to get the checklist for DATEX OHMEDA “AESTIVA 5"
INTRAVENOUS
CANNULATION
Intravenous (IV) cannulation is a technique in which a cannula is placed inside a vein to provide venousaccess. Venous access allows sampling of blood, as well as administration of fluids, medications, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and blood products.