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Intraoperative Bronchospasm Management — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModerateAnaesthetic Equipment & SafetyIntraoperative Bronchospasm ManagementFRCA Final

During an anaesthetic, the patient develops a sudden rise in airway pressure with wheezing. The capnograph shows an upsloping alveolar plateau. The most likely diagnosis and treatment is:

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Correct answer: A — Bronchospasm — deepen anaesthesia and IV salbutamol

Sudden increased airway pressure + wheeze + upsloping capnograph Phase III = bronchospasm. Treatment: deepen anaesthesia (sevoflurane is a bronchodilator), IV salbutamol 250 mcg or nebulised, IV magnesium 2g, exclude mechanical causes first (ETT kink, endobronchial intubation, mucus plug).

Reference: Association of Anaesthetists – 2023 – QRH: Bronchospasm