By: J. de la Cruz   Aim:  To explain perioperative cardiac complications.     Background:  Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represent a medical emergency where heart muscle is starved of oxygen due to sudden coronary artery blockage. Symptoms  are subjective such as classic chest pain, but can be subtle: dyspnoea (laboured breathing) , nausea, and  jaw pain. In perioperative settings, they can emerge unexpectedly, turning a routine procedure into a crisis.   ACS includes      

By: J. de la Cruz Aim: To explain the causes of apnoea in perioperative context. Background:  Apnoea is the cessation of breathing. Anaesthetic apnoea is a  serious complication that can occur in the post operative period.  Understanding the underlying cause of apnoea enables efficient and effective response:   ​ Causes and typical interventions: Inadequate reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Check  the train of four (TOF )for full reversal signs. The smallest muscles reverse

By: J. de la Cruz Aim : To explain hypoxic drive and safe oxygen titration in postoperative COPD patients. Background COPD affects around 2.5% of Australians, or approximately 638,000 people, according to ABS 2022 data. Lung Foundation Australia reports that about 1 in 13 adults over 40 have COPD, with many cases undiagnosed. COPD patients are at risk of oxygen-induced hypercapnia if oxygen is not carefully titrated. Normal breathing and COPD changes: In healthy people, risi

By: J. de la Cruz Aim Understanding pain fibres is more than just knowing anatomy; it helps nurses grasp the “why” behind the pain experience and improves how we assess and respond to patients who are hurting. This blog explains what pain fibres are, how they work, and why it matters in clinical practice—so you can connect physiology to real‑world patient care. Background Pain fibres are bundles of nerve axons that form part of the body’s protective system. They carry signals

Aim: To enhance understanding of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), enabling accurate interpretation of haemodynamic changes and timely, physiology-driven interventions in perioperative care. Background Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital cyanotic heart defect consisting of four abnormalities: A hole between the lower heart chambers  (ventricular septal defect) A narrow path from the right ventricle to the lungs  (right ventricular outflow obstruction) The main artery (aorta)

By: J. de la Cruz Aim: To enhance perianaesthesia nurses' understanding of septic shower and septic shock, enabling early recognition and intervention in perioperative care. Background Septic shower describes a transient episode where bacterial toxins or emboli from an infection site (like infected vegetations) suddenly enter the bloodstream, causing a brief systemic inflammatory response. This often manifests as temporary hypotension, fever, and tachycardia but typically

By: J. de la Cruz ​Aim:  To highlight how the features of COPD and Bronchiectasis align and its  perioperative risks.     Background:  Bronchiectasis occurs when the airways in your lungs become permanently widened and damaged, often from repeated infections or inflammation. This leads to a buildup of thick mucus, trapping bacteria and causing chronic cough, frequent chest infections,  breathlessness and reflux.    Some develop dysphagia or silent aspiration- where food /flui

By: J. de la Cruz Aim:     To explain the difference between diffusion and perfusion=  the two processes involved in oxygenation. To add physiological reasoning to task-based nursing practice.    Background:  Oxygenation is at the heart of perianaesthesia care, yet the difference between diffusion and perfusion is still a blind spot for many clinicians at the bedside.   ​  Diffusion is the gas exchange  in the lungs, so anything that thickens, floods or collapses alveoli  in

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and with it comes the need for effective orientation packages for new professionals entering the field. A well-structured orientation program not only helps new hires acclimate to their roles but also enhances job satisfaction and retention rates. In this blog post, we will explore the essential components of an effective orientation package tailored specifically for healthcare professionals. Understanding the Importance of Orie