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
Jan 27, 2025 • 17min
VivaCast 005 - Clinical Station Urgent Onco-Laparotomy
Join the discussion as Tom navigates a critical anaesthetic plan for an oncology patient facing bowel issues. They delve into immediate concerns like hypovolemia and possible sepsis, emphasizing the A to E assessment. Tom discusses vital investigations and the management of new atrial fibrillation, showcasing fluid resuscitation and risk stratification methods. They also explore the intricacies of anaesthesia considerations and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in high-stakes situations. Valuable exam presentation tips keep the insights flowing!
Jan 21, 2025 • 29min
Gas Gas Gas - Poly-Compart-Mental Madness Part Two - Ft. Pharmacokinetic BathTubs.
Dive into the intriguing world of pharmacokinetics! Discover why single-compartment models can mislead and how multi-compartment thinking enhances clinical practice. Learn about the fascinating impacts of infusion rates on drug concentration using relatable alcohol analogies. Explore the role of molecular weight and solubility in drug movement and how medications like fentanyl behave during prolonged infusions. Plus, enjoy a quirky bathtub analogy that illustrates complex drug distribution dynamics!
Jan 16, 2025 • 20min
VivaCast 004 - Vapours - Heat - Gas
Dive into the fascinating world of vapours as Tom explains the equilibrium between liquid and gas, including the nuances of relative and absolute humidity. Discover how anaesthetic vapourisers operate compared to closed containers, and the differences between sevoflurane and desflurane. The discussion also tackles the four laws of thermodynamics and the significance of critical temperature. Plus, enjoy clever mnemonic aids for remembering gas laws, making complex concepts more accessible and entertaining!
Jan 8, 2025 • 29min
Gas Gas Gas - Poly-Compartmental Madness - Half time, Tc, Natural Log and more
Explore the fascinating world of multi-compartmental pharmacokinetics! Discover the importance of half-lives, time constants, and how they impact drug clearance and offset times. Learn how to visualize time constants and relate them to elimination rates. Dive into the role of natural logarithms in modeling kinetics and unravel the mysteries of bi-exponential decay on concentration-time graphs. Prepare for a future demonstration using these concepts with a fentanyl patient model! Perfect for aspiring anesthesia professionals.
Dec 23, 2024 • 19min
VivaCast 003 - Paralysing the NMJ - Roc vs Sux - Reversal
Join Willing Victim Tom, an anaesthetics trainee diving deep into neuromuscular pharmacology, as he engages in a lively viva with Dr. Gas. They dissect the differences between succinylcholine and rocuronium, exploring onset times and potential risks like hyperkalaemia. Tom offers insights into malignant hyperthermia and the critical role of dantrolene in its management. The conversation flows to the nuances of reversing rocuronium with sugammadex and neostigmine, including potential pitfalls. Plus, they share tips on structuring responses for exam success!
Dec 7, 2024 • 18min
VivaCast 002- Co2 Journey, IntraCranial Pressure and Neonatal Physiology
In this engaging discussion, anaesthetic trainee Tom dives into the intricacies of CO2 transport and its crucial role in physiology. He explains how carbon dioxide moves from tissues to the atmosphere, stressing the significance of bicarbonate formation and the role of carbonic anhydrase. The conversation also explores the impact of CO2 and oxygen on intracranial pressure. Tom highlights the cardiovascular changes triggered by a newborn's first breath and umbilical cord clamping, making complex concepts accessible and lively for listeners.
Dec 3, 2024 • 10min
VivaCast 001 - Cleaning and Sterilisation
Dive into the world of medical sterilisation and cleaning! Explore the differences between cleaning and disinfection, with practical tips to tackle common equipment like endoscopes. Uncover the fascinating methods for sterilisation, including steam and gas techniques. Learn about the critical importance of pre-cleaning and the various risk levels associated with different medical devices. Plus, get insider advice on how to structure viva answers effectively for your exam challenges!
Dec 1, 2024 • 24min
Gas Gas Gas - Suxamethonium
Dive into the fascinating world of suxamethonium! Discover its mechanism of action as it influences nicotinic receptors, leading to unique physiological effects. Learn about the metabolism by plasma cholinesterases and the associated risks like bradycardia and hyperkalaemia. Explore strategies to minimize adverse effects, including pre-curarization. The discussion also touches on malignant hyperthermia and important clinical dosing practices. Wrap it up with key takeaways for handling emergency scenarios!
Nov 22, 2024 • 18min
Gas Gas Gas - Morphine
Dive into the fascinating world of morphine as experts dissect its role in pain management. Learn about opiate receptors and how they work through G-protein mechanisms. Discover the various opioid agonists, from morphine to fentanyl, used in anesthesia. The discussion delves into morphine’s absorption, metabolism, and systemic side effects, including cardiovascular and respiratory impacts. Clinical cautions around dosage and renal clearance are also highlighted, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in pharmacology.
Nov 17, 2024 • 12min
Gas Gas Gas - Ketamine
Dive into the fascinating world of ketamine as the podcast unpacks its NMDA receptor mechanics, detailing the role of magnesium in activation. Explore the drug's unique formulation and dosing strategies for anaesthesia and analgesia. Discover its dissociative effects and cardiovascular impacts during use. Learn about ketamine's neurological implications and its pharmacokinetics, including enantiomers and their clinical significance. Anecdotes add a personal touch, highlighting intriguing patient experiences with this powerful anesthetic.
