Applied Chemistry and Physics of Anesthetic Gasses

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to applied chemistry and physics in anesthetic gases based on lecture notes.

Anesthetic Gasses

Gases used in anesthesia to induce lack of sensation or awareness.

Breathing circuit

A system that delivers anesthetic gases and oxygen to the patient.

Induction

The process of getting the anesthetic to the alveoli for effective ventilation.

Solubility in blood

The extent to which anesthetic gases dissolve in blood, affecting uptake and distribution.

Partial Pressure gradient

The difference in gas pressure which drives the movement of gases between compartments.

Cardiac output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, influencing drug distribution.

Vapor Pressure

The pressure exerted by a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid phase, important for understanding anesthetic concentrations.

Time constant

Time required for a system to respond to changes, particularly in anesthetic delivery.

FA/FI ratio

The ratio of alveolar concentration (FA) to inspired concentration (FI) indicating anesthetic equilibrium.

Uptake

The absorption of anesthetic gases into the bloodstream, affecting their concentration in the alveoli.

Fat Solubility

The tendency of anesthetic agents to dissolve in fatty tissues, influencing their potency and duration.

Alveolar Ventilation

The process of air moving in and out of the alveoli, impacting gas exchange and anesthesia delivery.

Equilibrium

The state when the partial pressures of the anesthetic are the same in the alveoli and bloodstream.

Blood/Gas Solubility Ratios

Quantitative measures indicating how much anesthetic gas dissolves in blood compared to a gas.

Minimal Alveolar Concentration (MAC)

The concentration of anesthetic needed to prevent movement in 50% of patients; a measure of potency.

Apneic oxygenation

Oxygen diffusion occurring despite lack of ventilation during apnea.

V/Q mismatch

Ventilation/perfusion mismatch; a condition affecting the efficiency of gas exchange.

Time constant calculations

Calculating the time for 63% change in a gas concentration based on capacity and flow rate.

Dalton's law

The law stating that the total pressure exerted by a mixture of gases equals the sum of the partial pressures.

Factors for uptake

Determine the rate at which anesthetics are absorbed into tissues, including solubility and blood flow.