perioperative– category –

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC = RV + ERV) is the lung volume at end-tidal expiration, where lung and chest wall forces balance. It acts as an intrathoracic oxygen tank, crucial for safe apnea. General anesthesia, obesity, pregnancy, and supine positioning all reduce FRC, predisposing patients to atelectasis and hypoxemia. Preoxygenation and PEEP help preserve FRC and extend safe apnea time.

Why epinephrine for anaphylaxis? This article explains the mechanisms—α1 vasoconstriction, β1 cardiac support, β2 bronchodilation, and mediator suppression. We also review administration routes, pharmacokinetics, and safety considerations, with reference to major guidelines.

Gray (Gy) and Sievert (Sv) are both J/kg, but serve different purposes. Gy measures absorbed radiation energy, used in therapy and deterministic effects. Sv applies weighting factors for radiation type and organ sensitivity, estimating stochastic risk, used in protection and regulations. Includes analogy, quick reference table, and key ICRP dose limits.

This article reviews radiation risks in healthcare workers, focusing on deterministic and stochastic effects. It explains the difference between effective dose (whole-body risk) and equivalent dose (organ/tissue-specific risk), and compares dose limits in Japan, ICRP recommendations, and U.S. NRC regulations. Key updates include the 2021 revision of lens of the eye limits in Japan and the ICRP’s stricter guidelines. Essential knowledge for exams and daily radiation safety practice.

This article, also useful for perioperative team management exam preparation, explains the key concepts of radiation protection: deterministic effects, stochastic effects, equivalent dose, and effective dose. Using simple analogies (a boxer’s punch vs. a probability game) along with charts and diagrams, it helps clarify how thresholds, Gy, and Sv are applied in clinical and occupational exposure.

Radiation is invisible energy that can affect the human body in different ways. This article explains external vs. internal exposure, and the differences between public, medical, and occupational exposure. With everyday examples and practical notes for healthcare professionals, it provides essential knowledge to balance safety and benefits in clinical practice.

Essential tips for OR & cath lab staff: Radiation protection principles (Distance, Shielding, Time) and proper PPE use to reduce exposure risks.

Hypoxemia is not a disease but a state: low oxygen in the blood (PaO₂ < 60 mmHg). In this article, we use a fruit shop and apples analogy to make complex physiology simple. We explore the differences between hypoxemia and hypoxia, and explain four main mechanisms—hypoventilation, impaired oxygenation, impaired transport, and impaired utilization—with clinical examples from perioperative care.

♦️ Introduction Healthcare providers, especially in large hospitals, see blood products every day. Each unit comes with a label full of codes and abbreviations—but do you really know what they all mean? Let’s break down two important ones: 🔷 Ir (Irradiated: Gamma-irradiated) “Ir” indicates...