In a healthy patient receiving an epidural analgesic infusion postoperatively, clear fluid is noted to drip back freely from the epidural catheter. Which of the following findings correctly identifies the associated fluid?
(A) Precipitation when mixed with an equal volume of pancuronium = local anesthetic
A 30-year-old, 70-kg woman with mitral stenosis is scheduled for elective laparoscopic sterilization. Preoperatively she is taking digoxin and an unknown medication for chronic mental depression. The EKG demonstrates atrial fibrillation. Heart rate is 68 bpm. Anesthesia is induced with thiopental followed by nitrous oxide 50%, halothane 0.75%, and a continuous succinylcholine infusion. The ventilator is set to deliver a minute volume of 5 liters through an endotracheal tube. As the carbon dioxide is being insufflated into the abdomen, the blood pressure is noted to be elevated (150/100 mmHg) and ventricular bigeminy is present. The most appropriate therapy is to
(A) increase the halothane concentration to 1.25%
(B) discontinue the succinylcholine infusion
(C) increase minute ventilation to 7.5 L/min
(D) administer potassium 5 mEq intravenously over one minute followed by propranolol 0.25 mg
(E) measure arterial blood gas and serum electrolyte values
Immediately after a retrobulbar block for cataract surgery, the eye grossly protrudes and the patient has the sensation of pressure in the eye. The most appropriate initial intervention is
During acute normovolemic hemodilution in an adult, which of the following compensatory mechanisms is most important in maintaining tissue oxygenation?
A 68-year-old man has a permanent DVI pacemaker that has been functioning appropriately. Which of the following is most likely to cause conversion to VOO pacing?
(A) Electroconvulsive therapy
(B) Insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter
(C) Placement of a magnet over the pulse generator
Which of the following muscle relaxants is most likely to result in histamine release following administration of a bolus dose sufficient to facilitate rapid endotracheal intubation?