Types of Anesthesia

Anesthesia is broadly classified into the following categories:

1. General Anesthesia

Complete loss of consciousness, sensation, and reflexes. It is administered via inhalational agents (e.g., sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane, nitrous oxide), intravenous agents (e.g., propofol, etomidate, ketamine, thiopental), or a combination of both known as balanced anesthesia. General anesthesia typically involves four components: hypnosis, analgesia, muscle relaxation, and autonomic reflex control. Airway management is essential and achieved via endotracheal tube (ETT), supraglottic airway (SGA), or mask ventilation. Neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., rocuronium, succinylcholine) are often used to facilitate intubation and surgical relaxation. Depth of anesthesia is monitored clinically and may be supplemented with processed EEG monitors (e.g., BIS). It is indicated for major surgeries, procedures requiring immobility, or when regional techniques are contraindicated.

2. Regional Anesthesia

Blocks sensation to a specific body region while the patient remains conscious or lightly sedated. It is subdivided into:

• Neuraxial anesthesia:

  • Spinal (intrathecal): A single injection of local anesthetic (e.g., bupivacaine) ± opioid into the subarachnoid space, producing rapid, dense blockade. Commonly used for cesarean sections, lower extremity, and urologic surgeries.

  • Epidural: Catheter-based technique allowing continuous or intermittent dosing into the epidural space. Widely used for labor analgesia, thoracic/abdominal surgery, and postoperative pain management.

  • Combined spinal-epidural (CSE): Combines the rapid onset of spinal with the flexibility of an epidural catheter.

• Peripheral nerve blocks: Targeted blockade of specific nerves or plexuses using landmark, nerve stimulator, or ultrasound-guided techniques. Examples include interscalene (shoulder), supraclavicular (upper extremity), femoral and adductor canal (knee), popliteal sciatic (foot/ankle), and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for abdominal wall analgesia. Can be performed as single-shot injections or with continuous catheter infusions for prolonged analgesia.

• Intravenous regional anesthesia (Bier block): Involves IV injection of local anesthetic (typically lidocaine) into an exsanguinated, tourniquet-isolated limb. Used for short procedures on the distal upper extremity.

3. Local Anesthesia

Direct infiltration of local anesthetic agents (e.g., lidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, mepivacaine) into the surgical site or wound edges. Suitable for minor procedures such as skin biopsies, laceration repairs, and small excisions. May be supplemented with epinephrine to prolong duration and reduce bleeding. Tumescent anesthesia, a subcategory, involves large-volume dilute local anesthetic infiltration and is commonly used in liposuction and burn surgery.

4. Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)

A spectrum of sedation and analgesia provided with continuous hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring, without full general anesthesia. Sedation depth ranges from minimal (anxiolysis) to moderate (conscious sedation) to deep sedation (near-unconsciousness). Common agents include propofol, midazolam, fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, and ketamine. Frequently used for endoscopy, cataract surgery, cardiac catheterization, and procedures performed under local or regional anesthesia. The anesthesiologist must be prepared to convert to general anesthesia if needed.

5. Topical Anesthesia

Application of local anesthetic directly to the skin or mucous membranes without injection. Examples include EMLA cream (lidocaine-prilocaine) for IV cannulation in pediatrics, lidocaine spray for awake fiberoptic intubation or bronchoscopy, and tetracaine drops for ophthalmic procedures. Onset and depth of anesthesia depend on the agent, concentration, and duration of application.

Each type is selected based on the surgical procedure, patient comorbidities, airway considerations, anticipated duration, and postoperative analgesic requirements. Multimodal approaches combining techniques (e.g., general anesthesia with a regional block) are increasingly common to optimize pain control and reduce opioid consumption.

GRE PRACTICE FOR A PROSPECTIVE ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT STUDENT

Instructions

These original practice questions are designed for a student preparing for the GRE General Test and applying to an Anesthesiologist Assistant program. The GRE tests general reasoning rather than medical knowledge. Healthcare examples are included to make the exercises relevant to the student’s professional goals.

Select one answer unless the directions state otherwise. Complete Questions 1 through 19 before reviewing the answer key. Question 20 is an Analytical Writing exercise.

QUANTITATIVE REASONING

Questions 1 and 10: Quantitative Comparison Directions

Compare Quantity A and Quantity B and select one answer:

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

1. Quantitative Comparison

Quantity A: 35% of 240

Quantity B: 7/20 of 250

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined.

2. Multiple Choice: Select One Answer

If 4(x − 3) = 2x + 10, what is the value of x + 5?

A. 11
B. 13
C. 14
D. 16
E. 18

3. Multiple Choice: Select One or More Answers

Which of the following integers satisfy the inequality n² < 20?

Select all that apply.

A. −5
B. −4
C. −1
D. 0
E. 4
F. 5

4. Numeric Entry

The average of five examination scores is 24. Four of the scores are 18, 22, 25 and 31.

What is the fifth score?

Answer: __________

5. Geometry

A circle has a radius of 6 units. A sector of the circle has a central angle of 120 degrees.

What is the area of the sector?

A. 6π square units
B. 9π square units
C. 12π square units
D. 18π square units
E. 36π square units

6. Ratios

The ratio of women to men in a graduate science seminar is 5:3. There are 64 students in the seminar.

How many more women than men are in the seminar?

A. 8
B. 12
C. 16
D. 24
E. 40

Questions 7 and 8 are based on the following data.

A medical practice recorded its patient volume and average waiting time over five days.

Monday: 36 patients; average wait of 18 minutes
Tuesday: 42 patients; average wait of 15 minutes
Wednesday: 30 patients; average wait of 20 minutes
Thursday: 52 patients; average wait of 12 minutes
Friday: 40 patients; average wait of 15 minutes

7. Data Interpretation

The number of patients seen on Thursday was approximately what percent greater than the number seen on Wednesday?

A. 60.0%
B. 66.7%
C. 70.0%
D. 73.3%
E. 80.0%

8. Data Interpretation: Select One or More Answers

The mean daily patient volume was 40 patients, and the mean of the five listed average waiting times was 16 minutes.

On which days was patient volume above the mean while waiting time was below the mean?

Select all that apply.

A. Monday
B. Tuesday
C. Wednesday
D. Thursday
E. Friday

9. Probability

A container holds 5 blue markers, 3 green markers and 2 red markers. Two markers are selected at random without replacement.

What is the probability that both markers are blue?

A. 1/5
B. 2/9
C. 1/4
D. 5/18
E. 4/9

10. Quantitative Comparison

The value of x satisfies x² = 49.

Quantity A: x

Quantity B: 0

A. Quantity A is greater.
B. Quantity B is greater.
C. The two quantities are equal.
D. The relationship cannot be determined.

VERBAL REASONING

11. Text Completion: One Blank

Because anesthesia care requires precise communication, the preceptor was __________ of vague documentation and insisted that every observation be recorded accurately.

A. tolerant
B. dismissive
C. intolerant
D. unaware
E. appreciative

12. Text Completion: Two Blanks

The researcher’s initial claim appeared (i) __________ because it was based on a small observational study. After several independent teams reproduced the results, however, continued skepticism became increasingly (ii) __________.

Blank (i):

A. conjectural
B. incontrovertible
C. routine

Blank (ii):

D. justified
E. untenable
F. intensified

Select one answer for each blank.

13. Text Completion: Three Blanks

Although the physiology lecture was (i) __________ in scope, its organization was so (ii) __________ that students found even its most technical sections surprisingly (iii) __________.

Blank (i):

A. expansive
B. restricted
C. superficial

Blank (ii):

D. haphazard
E. methodical
F. obscure

Blank (iii):

G. inaccessible
H. repetitive
I. comprehensible

Select one answer for each blank.

14. Sentence Equivalence

Although the explanation was brief, it was not __________; it addressed every essential step in the reasoning process.

Select the two answer choices that complete the sentence and produce sentences with similar meanings.

A. exhaustive
B. cursory
C. superficial
D. lucid
E. redundant
F. elaborate

15. Sentence Equivalence

The admissions committee considered the evidence __________ because it had been confirmed by several independent sources.

Select the two answer choices that complete the sentence and produce sentences with similar meanings.

A. equivocal
B. compelling
C. negligible
D. persuasive
E. derivative
F. obscure

16. Sentence Equivalence

The student was initially __________ about presenting her research to the faculty, but repeated practice gradually increased her confidence.

Select the two answer choices that complete the sentence and produce sentences with similar meanings.

A. sanguine
B. apprehensive
C. indifferent
D. uneasy
E. exuberant
F. resolute

Questions 17 through 19 are based on the following passage.

Simulation has become an important component of healthcare education because it allows students to practice uncommon or dangerous situations without exposing patients to unnecessary risk. A learner can repeat a difficult scenario, receive immediate feedback and correct errors before encountering a comparable event in clinical practice. Nevertheless, simulation cannot reproduce every feature of an actual patient encounter. Real clinical environments include emotional stress, incomplete information, individual patient differences and interactions among multiple professionals. Furthermore, although some studies show that simulation improves performance immediately after training, fewer studies have established how long those improvements persist or how reliably they transfer to patient care. Simulation may therefore be most valuable when it supplements, rather than replaces, supervised clinical experience.

17. Reading Comprehension: Main Idea

Which statement best expresses the main idea of the passage?

A. Simulation should completely replace supervised clinical education.

B. Simulation provides valuable practice but is most effective when combined with supervised clinical experience.

C. Simulation is useful only for teaching rare emergencies.

D. Research has conclusively demonstrated that simulation permanently improves patient outcomes.

E. Clinical experience is ineffective unless students first complete simulation training.

18. Reading Comprehension: Inference

Which conclusion can most reasonably be inferred from the passage?

A. Skills demonstrated during simulation always transfer directly to patient care.

B. Emotional stress should be eliminated from all healthcare training.

C. Educational programs should evaluate whether simulation-related improvements persist and transfer to actual clinical performance.

D. Simulation is less safe than supervised patient care.

E. Students should not receive feedback until after completing clinical training.

19. Critical Reasoning

Which finding would most strengthen the author’s position regarding the appropriate role of simulation?

A. Students generally report that simulation laboratories are enjoyable.

B. Simulation equipment is more expensive than traditional classroom materials.

C. Students who receive simulation training followed by supervised clinical experience perform better during rare emergencies than students who receive supervised clinical experience alone.

D. Some students prefer lectures to simulation exercises.

E. Experienced clinicians occasionally make mistakes during simulated scenarios.

ANALYTICAL WRITING

20. Analyze an Issue

You have 30 minutes to plan and write your response.

“Graduate healthcare programs should give greater weight to sustained academic and clinical performance than to standardized test scores when selecting students.”

Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this statement. In developing your position, address circumstances in which standardized testing may still provide useful information.

A strong response should include:

1. A clear position or thesis.

2. Logical reasons supporting the position.

3. Specific and relevant examples.

4. Consideration of exceptions or competing viewpoints.

5. Clear paragraph organization.

6. Precise grammar and vocabulary.

7. A conclusion that follows logically from the analysis.

ANSWER KEY AND EXPLANATIONS

1. Answer: B

Quantity A:

35% of 240 = 0.35 × 240 = 84

Quantity B:

7/20 of 250 = 0.35 × 250 = 87.5

Quantity B is greater.

2. Answer: D

4(x − 3) = 2x + 10

4x − 12 = 2x + 10

2x = 22

x = 11

Therefore:

x + 5 = 16

3. Answers: B, C, D and E

The inequality n² < 20 means that n must be between approximately −4.47 and 4.47.

The integers −4, −1, 0 and 4 satisfy the inequality.

−5 and 5 do not satisfy it because 5² = 25.

4. Answer: 24

If the average of five scores is 24, the sum of the scores is:

5 × 24 = 120

The sum of the four known scores is:

18 + 22 + 25 + 31 = 96

The missing score is:

120 − 96 = 24

5. Answer: C

The area of the entire circle is:

πr² = π(6²) = 36π

A 120-degree sector represents one-third of a 360-degree circle:

120/360 = 1/3

Sector area:

1/3 × 36π = 12π square units

6. Answer: C

The ratio contains eight total parts:

5 + 3 = 8

Each part represents:

64 ÷ 8 = 8 students

Women:

5 × 8 = 40

Men:

3 × 8 = 24

Difference:

40 − 24 = 16

7. Answer: D

Thursday had 52 patients and Wednesday had 30 patients.

Increase:

52 − 30 = 22

Percentage increase:

22/30 × 100 = approximately 73.3%

8. Answers: B and D

The days with more than 40 patients were Tuesday and Thursday.

Tuesday had 42 patients and a 15-minute wait.

Thursday had 52 patients and a 12-minute wait.

Both waiting times were below the 16-minute mean.

Friday had exactly 40 patients, not more than 40.

9. Answer: B

There are 10 markers total.

The probability that the first marker is blue is:

5/10

After one blue marker is selected, 4 blue markers remain among 9 total markers:

4/9

Therefore:

5/10 × 4/9 = 20/90 = 2/9

10. Answer: D

If x² = 49, then x can equal 7 or −7.

If x = 7, Quantity A is greater.

If x = −7, Quantity B is greater.

The relationship cannot be determined without additional information.

11. Answer: C

“Intolerant” means unwilling to accept something. The preceptor does not accept vague documentation because precision is required.

12. Answers: A and E

The initial claim was “conjectural,” meaning uncertain or based on incomplete evidence.

After independent replication, continued skepticism became “untenable,” meaning difficult or impossible to defend.

13. Answers: A, E and I

“Expansive” indicates that the lecture covered a broad range of material.

“Methodical” describes its orderly organization.

Because the material was well organized, students found it “comprehensible.”

14. Answers: B and C

“Cursory” and “superficial” both describe something that lacks sufficient depth or attention. The sentence states that the explanation was brief but still complete.

15. Answers: B and D

“Compelling” and “persuasive” both describe evidence that strongly supports a conclusion.

16. Answers: B and D

“Apprehensive” and “uneasy” both indicate anxiety or nervousness about an upcoming experience.

17. Answer: B

The passage recognizes simulation’s benefits while explaining its limitations. The author concludes that simulation should supplement supervised clinical experience rather than replace it.

18. Answer: C

The passage states that fewer studies have determined whether simulation-related improvements persist or transfer to patient care. This supports the need for programs to evaluate long-term retention and real-world application.

19. Answer: C

Evidence that combined simulation and supervised clinical training produces better performance than clinical experience alone directly supports the author’s view that simulation is a valuable supplement.

20. Analytical Writing Guidance

There is no single correct position. The response is evaluated according to the quality of its reasoning, organization, supporting examples and written expression.

A strong thesis might state:

Graduate healthcare programs should emphasize sustained academic and clinical performance because these measures demonstrate long-term discipline and applied ability. Standardized test scores should remain one component of admissions because they provide a common measure across applicants from different institutions.

Suggested organization:

Paragraph 1: Introduce the issue and state a clear position.

Paragraph 2: Explain why sustained academic performance is valuable.

Paragraph 3: Explain why clinical exposure, professionalism and judgment matter in healthcare education.

Paragraph 4: Discuss the useful but limited role of standardized testing.

Paragraph 5: Address a counterargument or exception.

Paragraph 6: Conclude with a balanced admissions recommendation.

SUGGESTED SCORING

Questions 1 through 19: One point per question.

17 to 19 correct: Excellent initial performance
14 to 16 correct: Competitive foundation with targeted review needed
10 to 13 correct: Developing foundation; additional structured preparation recommended
Fewer than 10 correct: Begin with core mathematics, vocabulary and reading strategies before intensive timed practice

Score the Analytical Writing response separately based on thesis clarity, reasoning, organization, examples, grammar and vocabulary.

The "official" number and exact list of vital signs varies by organization and clinical context, though there is substantial overlap. Below is a breakdown by the organizations requested.

Traditional (Classic) Vital Signs — Universal Definition

Across all disciplines, the 5 traditional vital signs are consistently recognized as: 

[1-2]

1. Heart rate (HR) — beats per minute

2. Respiratory rate (RR) — breaths per minute

3. Blood pressure (BP) — systolic/diastolic, in mmHg

4. Temperature — °F or °C

5. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂) — percentage via pulse oximetry

ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists)

The ASA "Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring" (originally adopted 1986, last amended 2020) mandate monitoring organized by physiologic function rather than a simple numbered list. The ASA requires continuous monitoring of oxygenation, ventilation, circulation, and temperature during all anesthetics: 

[3-4]

• Oxygenation: Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) with audible alarms; inspired oxygen concentration (FiO₂)

• Ventilation: Capnography/end-tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂); respiratory rate; qualitative clinical signs (chest excursion, breath sounds, reservoir bag movement)

• Circulation: ECG (continuous); blood pressure (at least every 5 minutes); heart rate; and evaluation of circulation (pulse palpation, auscultation, intra-arterial tracing, or pulse oximetry waveform)

• Temperature: Body temperature monitoring when clinically significant changes are intended, anticipated, or suspected

Additionally, during postanesthetic care, the ASA recommends periodic assessment of pain, mental status/level of consciousness, neuromuscular function, nausea/vomiting, and fluid status. 

[5]

In summary, the ASA monitors at minimum 7–8 parameters: HR, BP, SpO₂, RR, temperature, ECG, ETCO₂, and FiO₂ — significantly more than the standard "5 vital signs" due to the anesthesia context.

EMT / EMS (National Registry of EMTs / NREMT / NEMSIS)

The National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) and NREMT define a complete vital sign set for prehospital assessment as 5 parameters: 

[6]

1. Heart rate

2. Respiratory rate

3. Pulse oximetry (SpO₂)

4. Systolic blood pressure

5. Level of consciousness (typically AVPU or GCS)

A 2023 NEMSIS analysis found that only 54.6% of EMS non-transport encounters had a complete set of all 5 vital signs documented, and 9.8% had no vitals recorded at all. 

[6]

 For ALS (Advanced Life Support) encounters, additional parameters such as blood glucose, ECG/cardiac monitoring, and ETCO₂ are commonly assessed but are considered adjunct assessments rather than core vital signs. 

[7-8]

Emergency Medicine (ACEP / Emergency Severity Index)

The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage algorithm, widely endorsed in emergency medicine, uses 5 vital signs for triage and monitoring: 

[2]

1. Heart rate

2. Respiratory rate

3. Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic)

4. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)

5. Temperature

ESI triage criteria flag specific abnormalities (HR >100, RR >20, SpO₂ <92%) as triggers for higher acuity consideration. 

[2]

 In ED practice, pain (often called the "6th vital sign") and level of consciousness are also routinely assessed and documented but are not formally part of the ESI vital sign set. 

[9]

Nursing

Nursing literature and hospital rapid response systems most commonly define a complete set of vital signs as 6 parameters: 

[10-11]

1. Respiratory rate

2. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)

3. Heart rate

4. Blood pressure

5. Temperature

6. Level of consciousness (GCS or AVPU scale)

This 6-parameter set is formally adopted in Australia (ACSQHC) and the United Kingdom (Royal College of Physicians) as the standard for a "complete" vital sign assessment. 

[10]

 Pain is frequently assessed as a supplemental or "additional" vital sign in nursing practice but is not universally included in the core set. 

[1][12]

 The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), commonly used by nurses, incorporates HR, RR, SBP, temperature, and level of consciousness (AVPU). 

[9]

Summary Comparison Table

Vital Sign

ASA (Anesthesia)

EMT/EMS (NEMSIS)

Emergency Medicine (ESI)

Nursing (RRS/EWS)

References

Heart Rate

✓ (continuous ECG)

✓

✓

✓

[1-4]

Respiratory Rate

✓

✓

✓

✓

[1-4]

Blood Pressure

✓ (q5 min minimum)

✓ (systolic)

✓ (systolic + diastolic)

✓

[1-4]

Temperature

✓

— (not in core 5)

✓

✓

[1, 3-4]

SpO₂ (Pulse Oximetry)

✓ (continuous)

✓

✓

✓

[1-4]

Level of Consciousness

✓ (mental status)

✓ (AVPU/GCS)

Supplemental

✓ (GCS/AVPU)

[2, 4-6]

ETCO₂ / Capnography

✓ (required)

ALS adjunct

Not routine

Not routine

[1]

ECG

✓ (continuous)

ALS adjunct

As indicated

Not routine

[1, 7]

FiO₂

✓ (required)

—

—

—

[8]

Pain

Postop assessment

—

Supplemental ("6th VS")

Supplemental

[5-6]

Total Core Count

7–8+

5

5

6

The key takeaway is that while the 5 traditional vital signs (HR, RR, BP, temperature, SpO₂) form the universal foundation, each discipline adds context-specific parameters: the ASA adds ECG, ETCO₂, and FiO₂ for anesthesia safety; EMS substitutes level of consciousness for temperature in its core set; and nursing formally includes level of consciousness as a 6th vital sign for early deterioration detection.

Would you like to explore the specific normal ranges and abnormal thresholds for each vital sign as defined by these organizations, including age-adjusted values?

1.

Society of Critical Care Medicine Guidelines on Recognizing and Responding to Clinical Deterioration Outside the ICU: 2023.

Critical Care Medicine. 2024. Honarmand K, Wax RS, Penoyer D, et al.Guideline

2.

Development and Comparative Performance of Physiologic Monitoring Strategies in the Emergency Department.

JAMA Network Open. 2022. Kim D, Jin BT.Observational

3.

Practice Guidelines for Moderate Procedural Sedation and Analgesia 2018: A Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Moderate Procedural Sedation and Analgesia, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American College of Radiology, American Dental Association, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, and Society of Interventional Radiology.

Anesthesiology. 2018. Guideline

4.

The Origins, Evolution, and Spread of Anesthesia Monitoring Standards: From Boston to Across the World.

Anesthesia and Analgesia. 2021. Pandya AN, Majid SZ, Desai MS.

5.

Practice Guidelines for Postanesthetic Care: An Updated Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Postanesthetic Care.

Anesthesiology. 2013. Apfelbaum JL, Silverstein JH, Chung FF, et al.Guideline

6.

Vital Sign Assessment in EMS Non-Transports: A National Analysis.

Prehospital Emergency Care. 2026. Green A, Murphy S, Redlener M, et al.Recent

7.

Using Life-Saving Interventions to Determine Optimal Vital Sign Ranges Among Adults Encountered by Emergency Medical Services.

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. 2025. Ramgopal S, Callaway CW, Martin-Gill C, Okubo M.

8.

Procedures Performed by Emergency Medical Services in the United States.

Prehospital Emergency Care. 2015. Carlson JN, Karns C, Mann NC, et al.

9.

The nurse response to abnormal vital sign recording in the emergency department.

Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2017. Johnson KD, Mueller L, Winkelman C.Observational

10.

Importance of specific vital signs in nurses' recognition and response to deteriorating patients: A scoping review.

Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2024. Considine J, Casey P, Omonaiye O, et al.Review

11.

Nurses' documentation of physiological observations in three acute care settings.

Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2016. Considine J, Trotter C, Currey J.

12.

Nursing Students’ Knowledge, Competence and Attitudes towards Vital Signs Monitoring during Clinical Practice.

Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2021. Alshehry AS, Cruz JP, Bashtawi MA, Almutairi KO, Tumala RB.

13.

Perioperative Management and Monitoring in Anaesthesia.

Lancet. 2003. Buhre W, Rossaint R.Review

14.

World Health Organization-World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WHO-WFSA) International Standards for a Safe Practice of Anesthesia.

Anesthesia and Analgesia. 2018. Gelb AW, Morriss WW, Johnson W, et al.

ANESTHESIOLOGIST ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Instructions

The following are 20 original practice questions designed to resemble the clinical reasoning level expected of an entry-level Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant. They are not official, released, recalled, or reconstructed NCCAA examination questions.

Select the single best answer for each question. Complete all questions before reviewing the answer key.

PRINCIPLES OF ANESTHESIA

1. Preoperative Fasting

A healthy 35-year-old patient is scheduled for elective knee arthroscopy under general anesthesia. The patient drank black coffee without milk exactly two hours before the scheduled induction.

What is the minimum generally recommended fasting period for this clear liquid?

A. 30 minutes
B. 1 hour
C. 2 hours
D. 6 hours
E. 8 hours

2. Postextubation Airway Obstruction

Immediately after extubation, a patient develops forceful inspiratory efforts, paradoxical chest movement, absent air movement and rapidly decreasing oxygen saturation. Complete laryngospasm is suspected.

Which intervention is the most appropriate initial response?

A. Administer a bronchodilator through a nebulizer
B. Administer naloxone
C. Apply a jaw thrust and continuous positive airway pressure with 100% oxygen
D. Insert a nasogastric tube
E. Administer furosemide

PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

3. Acid-Base Interpretation

An arterial blood gas shows:

pH: 7.28
PaCO2: 60 mmHg
HCO3−: 27 mEq/L

Which acid-base disorder is most likely?

A. Acute metabolic acidosis
B. Acute respiratory acidosis
C. Chronic respiratory acidosis with complete compensation
D. Metabolic alkalosis
E. Mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis

4. Arterial Oxygen Content

A patient has the following values:

Hemoglobin: 10 g/dL
SaO2: 98%
PaO2: 100 mmHg

Using the formula:

CaO2 = (1.34 × hemoglobin × SaO2) + (0.003 × PaO2)

What is the approximate arterial oxygen content?

A. 10.0 mL O2/dL
B. 13.4 mL O2/dL
C. 15.8 mL O2/dL
D. 18.2 mL O2/dL
E. 20.0 mL O2/dL

5. Septic Shock

A patient in the early hyperdynamic phase of septic shock is most likely to demonstrate which hemodynamic pattern?

A. Decreased cardiac output and increased systemic vascular resistance
B. Increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance
C. Decreased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance
D. Increased cardiac output and increased systemic vascular resistance
E. Normal cardiac output and normal systemic vascular resistance

6. Transfusion-Related Complication

During a massive transfusion, a patient develops acute hypoxemia, dyspnea and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. The patient is hypotensive and has no jugular venous distention, elevated filling pressures or other evidence of circulatory overload.

Which diagnosis is most likely?

A. Transfusion-associated circulatory overload
B. Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction
C. Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction
D. Transfusion-related acute lung injury
E. Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction

INSTRUMENTATION, MONITORING AND ANESTHETIC DELIVERY SYSTEMS

7. Arterial Pressure Transducer

An arterial pressure transducer is accidentally positioned 20 cm above the patient’s phlebostatic axis.

How will this affect the displayed arterial pressure?

A. The pressure will be falsely elevated by approximately 15 mmHg
B. The pressure will be falsely reduced by approximately 15 mmHg
C. The pressure will be falsely elevated by approximately 20 mmHg
D. The pressure will be falsely reduced by approximately 30 mmHg
E. Transducer height will not affect the measurement

8. Overdamped Arterial Waveform

Which combination is most characteristic of an overdamped arterial pressure monitoring system?

A. Falsely elevated systolic pressure and falsely reduced diastolic pressure
B. Falsely elevated systolic and diastolic pressures
C. Falsely reduced systolic pressure, falsely elevated diastolic pressure and a relatively preserved mean pressure
D. Falsely reduced systolic and diastolic pressures with an elevated mean pressure
E. Accurate systolic pressure with an inaccurate mean pressure only

9. Carbon Dioxide Rebreathing

During low-flow anesthesia with a circle breathing system, the capnogram baseline gradually rises above zero. Inspired carbon dioxide is detected, and the carbon dioxide absorbent has changed color.

Which problem is most likely?

A. Exhausted carbon dioxide absorbent
B. Esophageal intubation
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Complete breathing-circuit disconnection
E. Excessively high fresh-gas flow

SUBSPECIALTY CARE

10. Obstetric Anesthesia

A patient undergoing cesarean delivery develops nausea and a blood pressure of 72/38 mmHg shortly after spinal anesthesia. Her heart rate is 92 beats per minute.

Which intervention is most appropriate?

A. Place the patient upright and administer nitroglycerin
B. Provide left uterine displacement and administer phenylephrine
C. Place the patient in reverse Trendelenburg and administer labetalol
D. Administer furosemide and restrict intravenous fluid
E. Remove left uterine displacement and administer esmolol

11. Pediatric Bradycardia

A 4-year-old child develops a heart rate of 50 beats per minute with hypotension and poor peripheral perfusion. Effective oxygenation and positive-pressure ventilation have already been established, but the bradycardia persists.

What should be performed next?

A. Observe for five minutes
B. Administer adenosine
C. Perform synchronized cardioversion
D. Begin chest compressions
E. Administer amiodarone before beginning compressions

12. One-Lung Ventilation

During thoracic surgery, a patient’s oxygen saturation suddenly decreases from 99% to 84% shortly after being positioned laterally and beginning one-lung ventilation.

What is the most appropriate initial response?

A. Immediately clamp the pulmonary artery
B. Immediately discontinue all anesthetic agents
C. Administer 100% oxygen and verify double-lumen tube position with fiberoptic bronchoscopy
D. Administer sodium bicarbonate
E. Extubate and replace the double-lumen tube with a face mask

13. Cerebral Perfusion Pressure

A patient undergoing craniotomy has a mean arterial pressure of 78 mmHg and an intracranial pressure of 18 mmHg.

What is the cerebral perfusion pressure?

A. 42 mmHg
B. 50 mmHg
C. 60 mmHg
D. 78 mmHg
E. 96 mmHg

14. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

During a prolonged transurethral resection of the prostate, a patient becomes confused, nauseated and hypertensive and develops bradycardia.

Which laboratory abnormality is most likely?

A. Acute dilutional hyponatremia
B. Severe hypernatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
E. Respiratory alkalosis from excessive ventilation

15. Malignant Hyperthermia

During general anesthesia with sevoflurane, a patient develops rapidly increasing end-tidal carbon dioxide, tachycardia, generalized muscle rigidity, hyperthermia and metabolic acidosis.

Which treatment should be initiated immediately?

A. Continue the volatile anesthetic and administer acetaminophen
B. Administer neostigmine and glycopyrrolate
C. Administer naloxone and reduce minute ventilation
D. Discontinue triggering agents, hyperventilate with 100% oxygen and administer dantrolene
E. Administer protamine and fresh frozen plasma

PHARMACOLOGY

16. Succinylcholine and Burns

A patient sustained major burns seven days ago and now requires urgent surgery.

Why should succinylcholine generally be avoided?

A. It causes profound hypoglycemia
B. It may cause severe hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest
C. It produces irreversible hepatic failure
D. It causes severe hypocalcemia
E. It prevents the action of vasopressors

17. Neuromuscular Blockade Reversal

Sugammadex is specifically used to reverse neuromuscular blockade produced by which agents?

A. Succinylcholine and mivacurium
B. Cisatracurium and atracurium
C. Rocuronium and vecuronium
D. Pancuronium and succinylcholine
E. Neostigmine and pyridostigmine

18. Inhalational Anesthetics

Which volatile anesthetic generally permits the most rapid adjustment of anesthetic depth and fastest emergence because of its low blood-gas partition coefficient?

A. Halothane
B. Isoflurane
C. Sevoflurane
D. Desflurane
E. Methoxyflurane

19. Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity

Shortly after an ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block with bupivacaine, a patient reports tinnitus and a metallic taste and then develops a seizure, hypotension and a wide-complex cardiac rhythm.

In addition to securing the airway and treating the seizure, which therapy should be administered early?

A. Calcium gluconate only
B. Dantrolene
C. Protamine
D. Methylene blue
E. Twenty-percent lipid emulsion

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

20. Interscalene Block

Which complication occurs commonly after an interscalene brachial plexus block and may be particularly important in a patient with severe pulmonary disease?

A. Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis
B. Ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paresis from phrenic nerve blockade
C. Permanent radial nerve paralysis
D. Contralateral pneumothorax
E. Complete lumbar sympathetic blockade

ANSWER KEY AND EXPLANATIONS

1. Answer: C

Black coffee without milk is generally considered a clear liquid. For a healthy patient undergoing an elective procedure, the customary minimum fasting period for clear liquids is two hours. Patients with delayed gastric emptying or other aspiration risks require individualized assessment.

2. Answer: C

Initial management of laryngospasm includes removing the stimulus, calling for assistance, applying a firm jaw thrust and delivering 100% oxygen with continuous positive airway pressure. Persistent complete laryngospasm may require deepening anesthesia and administering a rapid-acting neuromuscular blocker.

3. Answer: B

The low pH indicates acidemia. The elevated PaCO2 identifies a respiratory cause. The bicarbonate is only mildly elevated, which is consistent with acute respiratory acidosis rather than complete chronic compensation.

4. Answer: B

CaO2 = (1.34 × 10 × 0.98) + (0.003 × 100)

CaO2 = 13.13 + 0.30

CaO2 = approximately 13.4 mL O2/dL

Most oxygen content is determined by hemoglobin-bound oxygen rather than dissolved oxygen.

5. Answer: B

Early septic shock commonly produces peripheral vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance. Cardiac output is frequently increased during the hyperdynamic phase.

6. Answer: D

TRALI presents with acute hypoxemia and noncardiogenic pulmonary edema temporally associated with transfusion. Hypotension and the absence of elevated filling pressures help distinguish it from transfusion-associated circulatory overload.

7. Answer: B

A transducer positioned above the reference level records a falsely low pressure. A 20-cm vertical difference produces an error of approximately 15 mmHg because each centimeter of water corresponds to approximately 0.74 mmHg.

8. Answer: C

Overdamping reduces waveform amplitude. It tends to underestimate systolic pressure, overestimate diastolic pressure and preserve the mean arterial pressure more accurately than either extreme value.

9. Answer: A

A capnogram baseline that does not return to zero indicates inspired carbon dioxide or rebreathing. In this scenario, the color change in the absorbent supports exhaustion of the carbon dioxide absorber.

10. Answer: B

Spinal anesthesia can cause sympathetic blockade, vasodilation and maternal hypotension. Left uterine displacement reduces aortocaval compression, and phenylephrine is commonly used when hypotension occurs without significant bradycardia.

11. Answer: D

Pediatric chest compressions should begin when the heart rate remains below 60 beats per minute with cardiopulmonary compromise despite effective oxygenation and ventilation.

12. Answer: C

Tube displacement is a common correctable cause of hypoxemia after positioning for one-lung ventilation. Initial actions include increasing inspired oxygen to 100% and confirming double-lumen tube position using fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

13. Answer: C

Cerebral perfusion pressure is calculated as:

CPP = MAP − ICP

CPP = 78 − 18

CPP = 60 mmHg

14. Answer: A

Absorption of hypotonic irrigation fluid during a traditional TURP can produce acute dilutional hyponatremia and hypo-osmolality. Neurologic symptoms, hypertension, bradycardia, nausea and cardiovascular instability may occur.

15. Answer: D

Treatment of suspected malignant hyperthermia requires immediate discontinuation of triggering anesthetics, hyperventilation with 100% oxygen, rapid administration of dantrolene and treatment of hyperkalemia, acidosis and hyperthermia.

16. Answer: B

After the acute phase of a major burn, skeletal-muscle acetylcholine receptors become upregulated. Succinylcholine can then cause a dangerous potassium release, severe hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest.

17. Answer: C

Sugammadex reverses neuromuscular blockade produced by the aminosteroid neuromuscular-blocking agents rocuronium and vecuronium. Quantitative monitoring should still confirm adequate recovery before extubation.

18. Answer: D

Desflurane has a low blood-gas partition coefficient. Alveolar and brain concentrations therefore change relatively rapidly when its inspired concentration is adjusted.

19. Answer: E

The findings are characteristic of local anesthetic systemic toxicity. Management includes stopping local-anesthetic administration, airway and oxygenation support, seizure control, modified resuscitation and early administration of 20% lipid emulsion.

20. Answer: B

The phrenic nerve is frequently affected by an interscalene block, producing ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paresis. This reduction in pulmonary function may be poorly tolerated by patients with severe respiratory disease.

SCORING GUIDE

18–20 correct: Excellent foundational knowledge
15–17 correct: Strong performance with focused review recommended
12–14 correct: Developing certification-level knowledge
9–11 correct: Significant review of core anesthesia sciences is recommended
Fewer than 9 correct: Begin with structured review of physiology, pharmacology, equipment and clinical anesthesia principles

Reference Basis

The practice set follows the six content areas identified in the current NCCAA Certification Examination outline. Current society and regulatory guidance used for selected management concepts includes ASA fasting and monitoring standards, American Heart Association pediatric resuscitation algorithms, MHAUS malignant-hyperthermia recommendations, ASRA local-anesthetic toxicity guidance and current FDA-submitted medication labeling.

Induction Agents

• Propofol — Rapid onset (30–40 s), short duration; standard IV induction agent. Causes dose-dependent hypotension and apnea. 

• [1-2]

• Etomidate — Rapid onset with hemodynamic stability; preferred in hemodynamically compromised patients. Inhibits adrenal cortisol synthesis. 

• [3-4]

• Ketamine — Dissociative agent (NMDA antagonist); preserves airway reflexes and respiratory drive; sympathomimetic. Useful in hypovolemia, bronchospasm, and hemodynamic instability. 

• [3-4]

• Midazolam — Benzodiazepine; slower onset, prolonged recovery. Reversible with flumazenil. Used as co-induction or anxiolysis.

• Remimazolam — Ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine; superior cardiovascular safety profile vs. propofol; reversible with flumazenil. 

• [4]

Volatile Inhalational Agents

• Sevoflurane — Non-pungent; preferred for mask/gas induction (especially pediatrics). Low blood-gas solubility allows rapid titration.

• Desflurane — Lowest blood-gas solubility; fastest emergence. Pungent (not suitable for mask induction); can cause sympathetic stimulation and airway irritability.

• Isoflurane — Older agent; potent coronary vasodilator. Less commonly used for induction.

• Nitrous oxide (N₂O) — Weak anesthetic (MAC ~104%); used as adjunct to reduce MAC of other agents. Avoid in closed air spaces (pneumothorax, bowel obstruction).

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (NMBAs)

Depolarizing:

• Succinylcholine — Ultra-rapid onset (30–60 s), ultra-short duration (5–10 min). Risk of hyperkalemia, malignant hyperthermia, bradycardia, and masseter spasm. 

• [5]

• 
  

Non-depolarizing (aminosteroids):

• Rocuronium — Most commonly used; rapid onset (60–90 s), intermediate duration. Reversible with sugammadex. 

• [5-6]

• Vecuronium — Intermediate duration; minimal cardiovascular effects. Reversible with sugammadex.

• Pancuronium — Long duration; vagolytic (causes tachycardia). Used in cardiac surgery or prolonged cases.

Non-depolarizing (benzylisoquinoliniums):

• Cisatracurium — Intermediate duration; undergoes Hofmann elimination (organ-independent). Preferred in hepatic/renal impairment. 

• [5]

• Atracurium — Similar to cisatracurium but more histamine release.

Reversal Agents for NMBAs

• Sugammadex — Selective encapsulation of aminosteroid NMBAs (rocuronium > vecuronium). Rapid, reliable reversal including deep block. 

• [6]

• Neostigmine (+ glycopyrrolate) — Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor; reverses non-depolarizing block. Requires some spontaneous recovery (TOF ≥2). Muscarinic side effects (bradycardia, secretions) require anticholinergic co-administration. 

• [6]

Opioid Analgesics

• Fentanyl — Most commonly used intraoperative opioid; rapid onset (1–2 min IV), short duration (30–60 min). 

• [6]

• Remifentanil — Ultra-short-acting (ester hydrolysis); context-sensitive half-time ~3–4 min regardless of infusion duration. Ideal for TIVA. Requires transition to longer-acting analgesic before emergence.

• Sufentanil — 5–10× more potent than fentanyl; used in cardiac surgery and neuraxial analgesia.

• Morphine — Longer onset and duration; histamine release; active metabolite (M6G) accumulates in renal failure.

• Hydromorphone — Alternative to morphine with less histamine release; no active metabolites.

Opioid Reversal

• Naloxone — Competitive mu-receptor antagonist; reverses respiratory depression. Short duration (30–45 min) — may require re-dosing. 

• [6]

• 
  

Benzodiazepines & Reversal

• Midazolam — Anxiolysis, amnesia, co-induction. Onset 1–2 min IV.

• Flumazenil — Competitive benzodiazepine antagonist; risk of seizures in chronic benzodiazepine users.

Local Anesthetics

Amides (metabolism: hepatic):

• Lidocaine — Intermediate onset/duration; most versatile (infiltration, nerve block, epidural, IV). IV lidocaine used as analgesic adjunct.

• Bupivacaine — Long-acting; high cardiotoxicity risk. Widely used for neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks.

• Ropivacaine — Long-acting; less cardiotoxic and less motor block than bupivacaine. Preferred for epidural labor analgesia.

• Mepivacaine — Intermediate duration; minimal vasodilation.

Esters (metabolism: plasma cholinesterase):

• Chloroprocaine — Ultra-short-acting; rapid onset. Used for epidural "top-up" in emergent cesarean delivery.

• Tetracaine — Long-acting; used in spinal anesthesia.

Toxicity reversal:

• Intralipid (20% lipid emulsion) — Treatment for local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST). 

• [7]

• 
  

Vasopressors & Inotropes

• Phenylephrine — Pure alpha-1 agonist; treats hypotension (especially spinal-induced). Reflex bradycardia.

• Ephedrine — Mixed alpha/beta agonist; increases HR and BP. Preferred in obstetric anesthesia (preserves uteroplacental flow).

• Epinephrine — Alpha + beta agonist; first-line for anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and severe bronchospasm.

• Norepinephrine — Potent alpha with some beta-1; first-line vasopressor for septic shock.

• Vasopressin — V1 receptor agonist; used in refractory vasodilatory shock and cardiac arrest.

• Dobutamine — Beta-1 agonist/inotrope; used for low cardiac output states.

Anticholinergics

• Glycopyrrolate — Does not cross blood-brain barrier; co-administered with neostigmine to prevent bradycardia. Antisialagogue.

• Atropine — Crosses blood-brain barrier; treats symptomatic bradycardia. Antisialagogue.

Antiemetics

• Ondansetron — 5-HT₃ antagonist; first-line PONV prophylaxis. 

• [8]

• Dexamethasone — Glucocorticoid; effective PONV prophylaxis when given at induction (4–8 mg IV). 

• [8]

• Scopolamine — Transdermal patch; anticholinergic. Apply night before or 2 hours pre-op.

• Droperidol — Butyrophenone; effective but QTc prolongation risk (FDA black box warning).

• Aprepitant — NK-1 antagonist; particularly effective against delayed PONV.

Sedation/Anxiolysis Agents

• Dexmedetomidine — Alpha-2 agonist; cooperative sedation without respiratory depression. Risk of bradycardia and hypotension. Used in ICU sedation, awake fiberoptic intubation, and procedural sedation. 

• [8]

• Midazolam — See above.

Adjunct Analgesics (Multimodal)

• Acetaminophen (IV) — Non-opioid analgesic; opioid-sparing. Max 4 g/day (2 g/day if hepatic impairment).

• Ketorolac — NSAID; potent analgesic. Avoid in renal impairment, bleeding risk, and certain surgical settings.

• Ketamine (sub-anesthetic) — NMDA antagonist; 0.1–0.5 mg/kg bolus or infusion. Reduces opioid consumption and hyperalgesia.

• Magnesium sulfate — NMDA antagonist; analgesic adjunct and smooth muscle relaxant.

• Gabapentin/Pregabalin — Preoperative administration reduces postoperative opioid requirements.

• Dexamethasone — Anti-inflammatory; analgesic adjunct in addition to antiemetic properties.

Malignant Hyperthermia Treatment

• Dantrolene — Ryanodine receptor antagonist; only definitive treatment for malignant hyperthermia. Initial dose 2.5 mg/kg IV, repeat as needed.

Bronchodilators

• Albuterol — Beta-2 agonist; inhaled for bronchospasm.

• Ipratropium — Anticholinergic bronchodilator; adjunct to albuterol.

• Epinephrine — For severe/refractory bronchospasm or anaphylaxis.

Miscellaneous

• Sugammadex — See reversal agents above.

• Tranexamic acid (TXA) — Antifibrinolytic; reduces surgical blood loss. Used in cardiac, orthopedic, and trauma surgery.

• Oxytocin — Uterotonic; first-line for uterine atony in obstetric anesthesia.

• Heparin / Protamine — Anticoagulation and reversal for cardiac/vascular surgery.

• Mannitol — Osmotic diuretic; reduces intracranial pressure in neurosurgical cases.

This list covers the core pharmacologic toolkit for anesthesia practice. Dosing, contraindications, and special population considerations (pediatric, obstetric, geriatric, renal/hepatic impairment) should be verified for each agent before administration.

Anesthesia Assistant Medication Master List

The NCCAA pharmacology domain accounts for approximately 18% of the certification examination. It includes pharmacokinetics, inhaled and intravenous anesthetics, neuromuscular blockers, local anesthetics, cardiovascular drugs, analgesics, sedatives, reversal agents, antibiotics, diuretics, glucose-control drugs and other perioperative medications.

For every major medication, the student should learn its class, mechanism or receptor, indication, usual route, onset, duration, metabolism, major cardiovascular and respiratory effects, contraindications, interactions, monitoring requirements and available reversal agent.

1. Inhaled Anesthetic Agents

Volatile anesthetics

• Sevoflurane

• Desflurane

• Isoflurane

• Halothane, primarily historical or limited-use knowledge

• Enflurane, primarily historical knowledge

Inhaled gas

• Nitrous oxide

Important topics include minimum alveolar concentration, blood-gas solubility, speed of induction and emergence, effects on cerebral blood flow, ventilation, circulation, uterine tone and neuromuscular blockade, and the effect of nitrous oxide on closed gas spaces. These subjects are specifically included in the NCCAA outline.

2. Intravenous Induction and Maintenance Agents

Core agents

• Propofol

• Etomidate

• Ketamine

• Methohexital

• Thiopental

High-yield distinctions

• Propofol: rapid hypnosis, hypotension, respiratory depression, antiemetic properties

• Etomidate: relative hemodynamic stability, myoclonus, adrenal suppression

• Ketamine: dissociative anesthesia, analgesia, sympathetic stimulation, bronchodilation

• Methohexital: commonly associated with electroconvulsive therapy

• Thiopental: barbiturate with historical and selected neuroanesthetic applications

Propofol is supplied as an intravenous emulsion and requires careful aseptic handling.

3. Sedatives and Anxiolytics

Benzodiazepines

• Midazolam

• Lorazepam

• Diazepam

Alpha-2 agonists

• Dexmedetomidine

• Clonidine

Other sedating medications

• Propofol

• Ketamine

• Droperidol

• Diphenhydramine

• Hydroxyzine

Dexmedetomidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for ICU and procedural sedation.

4. Opioid Analgesics

Short-acting and intraoperative opioids

• Fentanyl

• Remifentanil

• Sufentanil

• Alfentanil

Intermediate or longer-acting opioids

• Morphine

• Hydromorphone

• Methadone

• Oxycodone

• Meperidine

Partial agonists or mixed-mechanism agents

• Buprenorphine

• Nalbuphine

• Butorphanol

• Tramadol

• Tapentadol

Students should recognize respiratory depression, chest-wall rigidity with rapid high-dose potent opioids, histamine release, biliary effects, postoperative nausea, tolerance, dependence and opioid-induced hyperalgesia.

5. Nonopioid and Multimodal Analgesics

• Acetaminophen, oral or intravenous

• Ketorolac

• Ibuprofen

• Celecoxib

• Gabapentin

• Pregabalin

• Ketamine

• Dexmedetomidine

• Intravenous lidocaine

• Magnesium sulfate

• Dexamethasone

Important concerns include renal function, platelet effects, gastrointestinal bleeding, sedation and respiratory-depressant interactions.

6. Neuromuscular-Blocking Agents

Depolarizing blocker

• Succinylcholine

Succinylcholine is an ultrashort-acting depolarizing skeletal-muscle relaxant. Important concerns include hyperkalemia, malignant-hyperthermia triggering potential, bradycardia, myalgia, increased intraocular or intragastric pressure, and prolonged paralysis in pseudocholinesterase deficiency.

Nondepolarizing aminosteroid agents

• Rocuronium

• Vecuronium

• Pancuronium

Nondepolarizing benzylisoquinolinium agents

• Cisatracurium

• Atracurium

• Mivacurium

Rocuronium is used to facilitate routine and rapid-sequence tracheal intubation and to provide skeletal-muscle relaxation during anesthesia.

7. Neuromuscular-Block Reversal

• Sugammadex

• Neostigmine

• Edrophonium, less commonly used

• Pyridostigmine, selected applications

Antimuscarinic medications paired with cholinesterase inhibitors

• Glycopyrrolate

• Atropine

Sugammadex reverses neuromuscular blockade produced by rocuronium and vecuronium. Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring remains essential when assessing recovery.

8. Local Anesthetics

Amide local anesthetics

• Lidocaine

• Bupivacaine

• Ropivacaine

• Mepivacaine

• Prilocaine

• Articaine

Ester local anesthetics

• Chloroprocaine

• Tetracaine

• Procaine

• Cocaine, selected otolaryngology use

Common local-anesthetic additives

• Epinephrine

• Dexamethasone

• Clonidine

• Dexmedetomidine

• Sodium bicarbonate

Students should understand potency, pKa, lipid solubility, protein binding, onset, duration, maximum safe exposure, differential blockade and local-anesthetic systemic toxicity. The NCCAA outline specifically includes CNS toxicity, cardiac toxicity, allergic reactions and methemoglobinemia.

9. Vasopressors and Inotropes

Predominantly vasoconstricting agents

• Phenylephrine

• Norepinephrine

• Vasopressin

• Angiotensin II

• Metaraminol, institution-dependent

Mixed sympathomimetics

• Ephedrine

• Epinephrine

• Dopamine

Predominantly inotropic agents

• Dobutamine

• Milrinone

• Epinephrine

• Dopamine

• Isoproterenol

The student should know alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2, dopaminergic and vasopressin-receptor effects and how each medication changes heart rate, contractility, systemic vascular resistance and pulmonary vascular resistance.

10. Antihypertensive and Vasodilator Medications

Beta blockers

• Esmolol

• Labetalol

• Metoprolol

• Propranolol

Calcium-channel blockers

• Nicardipine

• Clevidipine

• Diltiazem

• Verapamil

Direct or predominantly vascular dilators

• Hydralazine

• Sodium nitroprusside

• Nitroglycerin

• Fenoldopam

Other agents

• Enalaprilat

• Clonidine

• Dexmedetomidine

11. Bradycardia and Antiarrhythmic Medications

• Atropine

• Glycopyrrolate

• Epinephrine

• Dopamine

• Isoproterenol

• Adenosine

• Amiodarone

• Lidocaine

• Procainamide

• Magnesium sulfate

• Esmolol

• Diltiazem

• Verapamil

• Digoxin

The student should distinguish treatment of sinus bradycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, torsades de pointes and pulseless arrest.

12. Antiemetic Medications

Serotonin 5-HT3 antagonists

• Ondansetron

• Granisetron

• Palonosetron

Corticosteroid

• Dexamethasone

Dopamine antagonists

• Droperidol

• Haloperidol

• Metoclopramide

• Prochlorperazine

• Promethazine

• Amisulpride

Other antiemetics

• Scopolamine

• Aprepitant

• Fosaprepitant

• Diphenhydramine

Important issues include QT prolongation, extrapyramidal effects, sedation, anticholinergic effects and timing of administration.

13. Pulmonary and Airway Medications

• Albuterol

• Levalbuterol

• Ipratropium

• Epinephrine

• Racemic epinephrine

• Terbutaline

• Magnesium sulfate

• Methylprednisolone

• Hydrocortisone

• Dexamethasone

• Aminophylline

• Theophylline

• Inhaled nitric oxide

• Inhaled epoprostenol

• Surfactant preparations for neonatal care

These agents may be encountered in bronchospasm, asthma, stridor, airway edema, pulmonary hypertension and neonatal respiratory disease.

14. Obstetric Medications

Uterotonics

• Oxytocin

• Methylergonovine

• Carboprost

• Misoprostol

Hemorrhage-related medications

• Tranexamic acid

• Fibrinogen concentrate

• Prothrombin complex concentrate

• Calcium chloride

• Calcium gluconate

Tocolytics and obstetric adjuncts

• Terbutaline

• Nifedipine

• Magnesium sulfate

• Indomethacin

Students should know contraindications to individual uterotonics, particularly in patients with hypertension, asthma or significant cardiovascular disease. Obstetric anesthetic drugs, placental transfer, uterotonics and tocolytics are explicitly included in the NCCAA outline.

15. Anticoagulants, Antiplatelet Drugs and Hemostatic Agents

Anticoagulants

• Unfractionated heparin

• Enoxaparin

• Warfarin

• Apixaban

• Rivaroxaban

• Edoxaban

• Dabigatran

• Argatroban

• Bivalirudin

Antiplatelet drugs

• Aspirin

• Clopidogrel

• Prasugrel

• Ticagrelor

• Cangrelor

• Abciximab

• Eptifibatide

• Tirofiban

Reversal and hemostatic therapy

• Protamine

• Vitamin K

• Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate

• Idarucizumab

• Andexanet alfa

• Tranexamic acid

• Aminocaproic acid

• Desmopressin

• Fibrinogen concentrate

• Recombinant factor VIIa

This category is particularly important when evaluating neuraxial or regional anesthesia safety.

16. Fluid, Electrolyte and Metabolic Medications

• Regular insulin

• Dextrose

• Glucagon

• Sodium bicarbonate

• Calcium chloride

• Calcium gluconate

• Magnesium sulfate

• Potassium chloride

• Sodium chloride

• Hypertonic saline

• Mannitol

• Furosemide

• Bumetanide

• Acetazolamide

The student should know how these medications affect potassium, calcium, magnesium, glucose, osmolality, acid-base balance and cardiac conduction.

17. Aspiration Prophylaxis and Gastrointestinal Medications

• Sodium citrate

• Famotidine

• Pantoprazole

• Omeprazole

• Metoclopramide

• Ondansetron

• Glycopyrrolate

• Neostigmine

• Alvimopan

• Naloxegol

Important concepts include gastric pH, gastric volume, lower-esophageal sphincter tone, gastric emptying and postoperative ileus.

18. Common Perioperative Antibiotics

• Cefazolin

• Cefuroxime

• Cefoxitin

• Ceftriaxone

• Clindamycin

• Vancomycin

• Metronidazole

• Gentamicin

• Ampicillin-sulbactam

• Piperacillin-tazobactam

Students should recognize allergy history, redosing intervals, renal adjustment, infusion reactions, neuromuscular-block potentiation and procedure-specific prophylaxis. NCCAA pharmacology includes antibiotic indications, contraindications, mechanisms and adverse effects.

19. Emergency, Crisis and Rescue Medications

Malignant hyperthermia

• Dantrolene

• Calcium-management medications as clinically indicated

• Insulin and dextrose for hyperkalemia

• Sodium bicarbonate for significant acidosis

• Antiarrhythmics excluding calcium-channel blockers when interacting with dantrolene

Intravenous dantrolene is indicated, with supportive treatment, for malignant-hyperthermia crisis.

Local-anesthetic systemic toxicity

• Twenty-percent intravenous lipid emulsion

• Benzodiazepines for seizure control

• Epinephrine in modified resuscitation doses

• Amiodarone for refractory ventricular arrhythmias

Opioid or sedative reversal

• Naloxone

• Flumazenil

Anaphylaxis

• Epinephrine

• Diphenhydramine

• Famotidine

• Albuterol

• Corticosteroids

• Vasopressin or norepinephrine for refractory shock

Other toxicologic rescue agents

• Methylene blue for selected methemoglobinemia

• Hydroxocobalamin for cyanide toxicity

• Physostigmine for selected severe anticholinergic toxicity

• Calcium for calcium-channel-blocker toxicity

• Glucagon for beta-blocker toxicity

• High-dose insulin therapy for selected cardiotoxic overdoses

20. Chronic Medications With Major Anesthetic Implications

The AA student should also recognize common home medications that alter the anesthetic plan:

• Beta blockers

• ACE inhibitors

• Angiotensin-receptor blockers

• Calcium-channel blockers

• Diuretics

• Insulin and oral diabetic agents

• GLP-1 receptor agonists

• Anticoagulants

• Antiplatelet medications

• Chronic opioids

• Buprenorphine

• Benzodiazepines

• Antidepressants

• Lithium

• Antipsychotics

• Antiepileptic medications

• Parkinson disease medications

• Corticosteroids

• Immunosuppressants

• Herbal products and supplements

The NCCAA outline specifically identifies perioperative implications of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotic-type agents, chemotherapy drugs and herbal products such as ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, St. John’s wort, ephedra and kava.

Highest-Priority Medications to Memorize First

A beginning AA student should initially master:

Propofol, etomidate, ketamine, sevoflurane, desflurane, fentanyl, remifentanil, midazolam, dexmedetomidine, succinylcholine, rocuronium, vecuronium, cisatracurium, sugammadex, neostigmine, glycopyrrolate, lidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, vasopressin, esmolol, labetalol, nicardipine, ondansetron, dexamethasone, oxytocin, tranexamic acid, heparin, protamine, naloxone, flumazenil, dantrolene and 20% lipid emulsion.

This is a study framework, not a medication-administration or dosing guide. Actual selection and dosing must follow current institutional protocols, patient-specific assessment, supervising anesthesiologist direction and current prescribing information.