A patient is undergoing exploration of a stab wound to the left side of the neck. On awake laryngoscopy, the left vocal cord is in midposition and the right vocal cord is abducted during inspiration. The most likely cause of these findings is trauma to which of the following structures on the left?
A multigravid woman is receiving oxytocin by infusion for augmentation of labor. Fetal heart rate is 190 bpm with beat-to-beat variability of 6 to 8 bpm. The most appropriate immediate action would be to
(A) continue observation
(B) sample fetal scalp blood
(C) discontinue oxytocics
(D) administer a beta-adrenergic blocker to the mother
Three hours prior to induction of anesthesia for elective laparotomy, a 40-kg 8-year-old boy is anxious and clings to his parents. Which of the following preanesthetic medications is most appropriate?
The shorter duration of action of alfentanil relative to fentanyl is due to its
(A) greater lipid solubility
(B) increased clearance
(C) increased rate of hepatic metabolism
(D) lesser protein binding
(E) smaller volume of distribution
E
Five minutes after intrathecal administration of tetracaine 12 mg in hyperbaric solution, a 60-year-old man has a weak hand grasp. Respirations are normal, heart rate has decreased from 80 to 45 bpm, and blood pressure has decreased from 150/80 to 90/50 mmHg. The most appropriate management at this time is
(A) administration of atropine
(B) administration of ephedrine
(C) administration of phenylephrine
(D) placement of the patient in the head-down position
A 33-year-old woman is scheduled for emergency appendectomy under general anesthesia. She has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and has had two episodes of syncope in the past year. Which of the following statements concerning anesthetic management is true?
(A) Spinal anesthesia is preferred to general anesthesia
(B) Deep levels of isoflurane anesthesia are appropriate
(C) Fluid administration should be restricted
(D) Phenylephrine is preferred to ephedrine to treat hypotension
(E) Positive end-expiratory pressure will decrease left ventricular outflow obstruction
A 38-year-old woman with hyperthyroidism is undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured humerus with isoflurane anesthesia. Intraoperatively her heart rate increases to 120 bpm with occasional premature ventricular contractions. The most appropriate therapy at this time is to