GasGasGas - The FRCA Primary Exam Podcast
Dr Gas
GasGasGas The Primary FRCA Exam Podcast.This will fit into a corner of your day, delivering a well explained concept critical to the knowledge required to pass the FRCA Primary Exam!This is relevant to anyone in the world interested in these pharmacological, physiological, clinical, physical and chemical concepts, naturally it is flavoured towards UK practice.Episodes will be (mostly) succinct, conceptually specific, and exam material focussed. Notes on https:/gasgasgas.ukAll content is my personal opinion, not medical advice and is never a substitute for formal education / training.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 3, 2025 • 30min
VivaCast 15 - Clinical Case PsuedoAneurysm
Dive into a gripping clinical scenario featuring an intravenous drug user with an infected pseudoaneurysm. The hosts discuss the complexities of high BBV risk cases, including crucial assessment tactics and resuscitation priorities. Learn about vascular access options, the dangers of local anaesthetic toxicity, and the urgent management of seizures during procedures. The discussion wraps up with practical tips for clinical examination techniques and the importance of communication with the surgical team.
Mar 27, 2025 • 18min
VivaCast 14 - Kinetics, Hypoglycaemics and Drug Trial fun!
Dive into the world of pharmacokinetics, where drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion are unraveled. Discover the intricacies of hypoglycaemic medications, including insulin's roles and risks. Explore the fascinating landscape of clinical trials, from randomized controlled designs to the evolution of drug development phases. Gain insights on the balance between efficacy and safety, punctuated with an understanding of statistical analysis through meta-analysis. Perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their medical knowledge!
Mar 19, 2025 • 27min
VivaCast 13 - Ultrasound - Cardiac Output Monitoring - Diathermy
Dive into the fascinating world of ultrasound in anaesthesia, from vascular access to echocardiography. Explore the physics behind ultrasound machines and the significance of the Doppler effect in measuring blood flow. Discover both non-invasive and invasive techniques for assessing cardiac output, including the roles of pulmonary artery catheters. Gain insights into the intricacies of diathermy, its safety concerns, and strategies to minimize ECG interference. Perfect for those preparing for the FRCA exams!
Mar 14, 2025 • 21min
VivaCast 12 - Anti Emetics, Propofol (again!) and Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Surgery
Dive into the fascinating world of antiemetics as Tom reveals his favorite, Droperidol, alongside its rivals like Ondansetron. Explore the intricate pharmacokinetics of Propofol, tracing its journey from IV emulsion to brain effects, while discussing factors that influence its onset and effectiveness. Unpack the essentials of antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery, including key antibiotic classes and their mechanisms. This engaging session blends exam prep with essential clinical insights, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.
Mar 5, 2025 • 26min
VivaCast 011 - Liver Physiology,
Dive into the complexities of liver physiology as Tom and James unravel its key functions, like detoxification and bile production. They explore how the liver manages blood supply and regulates glucose. Bilirubin production and paracetamol metabolism take center stage, revealing why overdose can be harmful. Tips for structuring exam answers and highlighting anatomical details are shared to help listeners ace their assessments. Get ready for a fun and informative discussion that balances science with smart study strategies!
Feb 28, 2025 • 14min
VivaCast 010 - Physiology - Classifying Hypoxia, Oxygen Delivery and Oxy-Haemoglobin Sat Curves
Dive into the fascinating world of hypoxia as the hosts dissect its classifications, including hypoxic, anemic, histotoxic, and ischemic types. Discover how oxygen is delivered to tissues and the intricate interplay of hemoglobin with factors like 2,3-DPG and pH. Learn why oxygen delivery is crucial for cellular respiration and how it shifts depending on conditions. The discussion wraps up with insights on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve and what impacts hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen. Educational and engaging!
Feb 21, 2025 • 15min
VivaCast 009 - Physiology - Pressure, Flow, Coronary perfusion, Cardiac Cycle
Dive into the intricate world of cardiac physiology! Explore how blood pressure is defined and influenced by cardiac output and vascular resistance. Discover how the Hagen–Poiseuille law affects vessel resistance, and learn the significance of viscosity and vessel length. Unravel the differences in coronary blood flow between the left and right sides of the heart. Finally, get a clear breakdown of the cardiac cycle phases, from diastole to ejection. Packed with insights, this discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in the mechanics of the heart!
Feb 16, 2025 • 32min
VivaCast - 008 - Oxygen Storage - Wheatstone Bridges - Resonance/Damping - Fibre optics and Lasers
Dive into the fascinating world of oxygen as its properties and storage in hospitals are unraveled. Explore the intricacies of Wheatstone Bridges for measuring resistance and the difference between resistors and capacitors. Discover how arterial lines can estimate cardiac output, and learn about the roles of damping and resonance in monitoring systems. Get a glimpse into fiber optics, including how light is transmitted and its comparison to laser light, alongside clinical uses and safety measures for lasers in practice.
Feb 10, 2025 • 20min
VivaCast 007 - License to....? Adrenoceptors, Local anaesthetic, Classification Anti-Arrythmics
Explore the fascinating world of adrenoceptors and their diverse effects on heart rate and blood pressure. Discover the roles of local anaesthetics and how they block sodium channels to prevent action potentials. Delve into the Vaughan-Williams classification of anti-arrhythmics, including insights on beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Learn practical exam tips on pharmacology and the importance of understanding G-protein subtypes for effective signalling. It's an exhilarating mix of complex concepts made digestible!
Feb 4, 2025 • 23min
VivaCast 006 - Physiology Station - Oxygen - Sensing - Valsalva
Discover the fascinating journey of oxygen from the alveoli to the mitochondria, unraveling key concepts like the shunt and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. Explore the complexities of the Valsalva manoeuvre as it challenges the body's responses. Dive into the physiological details of alveolar gas equations and how various factors affect oxygen levels. Learn about carotid body sensing and the implications of autonomic neuropathy on reflex responses. It's a captivating blend of physiology and practical exam techniques!
