Sample interview questions: How do you monitor patients during anesthesia and interpret their vital signs?
Sample answer:
Monitoring During Anesthesia
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Monitors heart rate, rhythm, and ST-segment changes (indicative of ischemia)
- Pulse Oximetry: Measures oxygen saturation and pulse rate, providing information about ventilation and oxygen delivery
- End-tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO2): Assesses ventilation, detects hypo- and hyperventilation
- Automated Blood Pressure Cuff: Monitors blood pressure and heart rate, providing an estimate of cardiac output
- Neuromuscular Monitoring: Uses electromyography to assess neuromuscular blockade depth
- Temperature Monitoring: Prevents hypothermia or hyperthermia during extended procedures
- Pupil Examination: Assesses brainstem function
Interpretation of Vital Signs
ECG:
* Sinus tachycardia: Mild elevation in heart rate (e.g., due to anxiety)
* Bradycardia: Slow heart rate (e.g., due to medications)
* Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms (e.g., atrial fibrillation)
* ST-segment elevation: May indicate myocardial ischemia or infarction
Pulse Oximetry:
* SpO2 above 95%: Adequate ox… Read full answer
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