Post-Anaesthetic Shivering Treatment — FRCA Final MCQ

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EasyGeneral AnaesthesiaPost-Anaesthetic Shivering TreatmentFRCA Final

A 52-year-old man has post-anaesthetic shivering with core temp 36.2°C. What is the first-line pharmacological treatment?

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Correct answer: D — Pethidine 25 mg IV

Pethidine is the most effective treatment for post-anaesthetic shivering at sub-analgesic doses (25 mg IV). Anti-shivering effect is via kappa-opioid receptor agonism, unique among opioids, lowering the shivering threshold. Clonidine is second-line.

Reference: Association of Anaesthetists – 2023 – QRH: Post-anaesthetic shivering