Episode Summary In this episode we talk about an airway procedure that we rarely perform…that can be somewhat daunting…but can make an enormous difference in patient safety…we talk about awake intubation. We review the ASA’s Difficult Airway Algorithm and the Difficult Airway Society’s and the Canadian Airway Focus Group’s recommendations regarding awake intubation. We go over the indications, equipment, positioning, and other key features to help demystify the performance of this important air

In this episode we discuss pheochromocytoma. We highlight a clinical case of a patient with an undiagnosed pheochromocytoma Then, we dive into the differential diagnoses, signs and symptoms, preoperative preparation, and intraoperative management of this neuroendocrine tumor. This is one episode that will definitely get your sympathetic nervous system firing! What You Will Learn: ⦁ Review the pathophysiology of a pheochromocytoma. ⦁ Discuss the differential diagnosis associated with a...

We’re returning to the ring for another Q & A! The crowd is cheering and asking for more, so let’s give them another round…say what! In this episode we’ll test your mental toughness with questions that review pharmacology, pathophysiology, and airway. Along the way we’ll give you tips and suggestions to help dust out the cobwebs and bring that anesthesia knowledge back into the forefront of your mind. So, put those gloves together, “ding ding!” it’s time to get back into the ring! Say what?

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia podcast, we review the essentials of calcium and the physiologic consequences that occur when this important cation becomes low. We’ll talk about how the body regulates calcium, the signs of hypocalcemia, something being called the “Lethal Diamond” and so much more. APEX family…grab a big glass of milk and let’s talk calcium!

We went into the ring and did the first Q & A in episode 25. Because of the overwhelming positive feedback, we are back for another round…say what! In this episode we’ll go over several pharmacology questions that range from medications that affect hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction to platelet inhibitors. Along the way we’ll give you tips and suggestions to help dust out the cobwebs and bring that anesthesia knowledge back into the forefront of your mind. Say what? That’s right, it’s Q...

Anesthesia-induced hypotension is commonly treated with push dose vasopressors. Today, we’ll dive into what the newest evidence is showing us about the use of phenylephrine, ephedrine, and norepinephrine IV bolus doses. We talk about cerebral oxygen concentrations and cardiac output when administering these vasopressors and ultimately ask ourselves…should we be less pushy?

Our episode today is with the one and only Dr. John Nagelhout PhD, CRNA, FAAN. He is a pharmacology master who has taught thousands of CRNAs over the years. He the creator and has been the primary author of the core nurse anesthesia textbook “NURSE ANESTHESIA” for the last 20 years. Jeremy and Sass have an engaging discussion about his experience as a nurse anesthetist since the 1970’s, the story behind his creation of the first and subsequent editions of Nurse Anesthesia, how he came to...

Recently, we’ve had many CRNAs request a podcast that evaluates answering test questions. Basically, something that helps bring that anesthesia knowledge and that question answering expertise back into the forefront of your mind. APEX family…we hear you! That’s right, it’s Q & A day!

Today we dive into a discussion about Parkinson’s disease. We talk about what causes this disease, how it is medically and pharmacologically managed, and most important for CRNAs…what is the best evidence for taking care of patients who have Parkinson’s disease. There’s no doubt that at some point you will provide anesthesia for these patients and we want to help you, so sharpen those pencils and get ready to take some notes!

This is our first interview and we wanted it to be with CRNAs on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic who are getting it done! We focus our discussion on the expanding roles of CRNAs within the hospital and within our communities. We talk to retired Navy Commander and veteran clinical coordinator Valerie Sedor CRNA, about her roles in the ICU and ED, and what’s it’s like during this COVID surge. We also talk with author and clinical expert Mark Gabot CRNA, about his experience working as...

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast, we address more of the questions we’ve received from our listeners. And yes, we do our best to answer these intelligent questions with even more marvelously mediocre answers. It’s a fun conversation about random topics that will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more!

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast we want to give you a little taste of our virtual conference…let’s call them appetizers! Sass talks a bit about volatile agent pharmacology, Jeremy talks airway in a patient with elevated ICP and we finish off discussing shock. This is just a preview of some of the content you will get when you sign up for an APEX Live Virtual Conference.

When was the last time you used a cognitive aid in the OR? You probably have some in your OR, albeit they’re likely buried in a drawer somewhere. In today's episode, we'll discuss all things related to anesthesia checklists and how they can help you improve patient care.

What's your plan D during an airway crisis? In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast, we’ll discuss all things cricothyrotomy and give you everything you need to know if you ever need to use it in your practice.

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast, we’ll discuss one of the anesthetic crises we all learned about in anesthesia school…malignant hyperthermia. We’ll talk about how to recognize MH, and most importantly, how to manage this emergency if it ever happens to you!

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast we talk clotting…or more specifically how to promote blood clotting and STOP BLEEDING by giving an antifibrinolytic. We review the mechanisms of how a clot is formed and broken down. We then discuss several large trials published within the last decade that focus on situations where antifibrinolytics may be useful. What You’ll Learn How are blood clots formed and broken down? What are the mechanisms of action of the vario

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast, we are going to dive into the world of ketamine. We’ll review the little brother to PCP, and talk about all the situations where it can be useful…it really is the swiss army knife of anesthetic meds!

In the first part of this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast we’ll review the pathophysiology of ARDS and discuss the multiple theories about the pathology of COVID-19. The second part is a discussion of the management similarities and differences between ARDS and COVID-19.

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast, it’s all about dexmedetomidine. Or, simply… just dex. We’ll discuss its pharmacological properties and share clinically relevant content related to its use in clinical anesthesia.

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast, we answer several clinical questions submitted by our listeners. The topics range from using ondansetron to treat hypotension from neuraxial anesthesia to using a cephalosporin in a patient with a penicillin allergy. Buckle up… you’re not going to want to miss the mediocre madness!

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast, we talk about intubating the patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. We talk about how to prepare safely using personal protective equipment and discuss the current protocols clinicians are using to conduct airway management.

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast, we dive into local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST). We discuss what it is, how it happens, special populations that may be at higher risk, and the newest dosing protocols. If you administer any local anesthetic medications in your practice, you don't want to miss this episode!

In this episode of the APEX Live Anesthesia Podcast, we'll take a break from talking about clinical anesthesia and look at acute stress. We'll explain how the brain reacts to acute stress and then dive into why stress is both helpful and hurtful. Finally, we'll discuss simple strategies that you can start using today, which are scientifically proven to help manage acute stress. Show notes available at: https://www.apexlive.com/blog/episode-10

You asked, and we listened! In this episode of the APEX Live podcast, we're going to do a little Q&A. We'll give you practice questions, and then we'll break each one down step-by-step. It’s kind of like going back to the basics or back to square one. Whether you're studying for the NCE or the CPC Exam, this isn't an episode you'll want to miss. Show notes available at: https://www.apexlive.com/blog/episode-9