Physics for the Anaesthetic Viva

Physics for the Anaesthetic Viva is a succinct and practical text that comprehensively covers all aspects of the physics and clinical measurement curriculum for the FRCA examinations. Each section begins by explaining the basic science concepts, which are then expanded and related to everyday practice. Illustrations are used to enhance understanding of the concepts, and are presented in such a way as to be easy to reproduce in the exam setting. In addition, sample viva questions are provided at the end of each chapter to test learning, or for use in a mock viva session. Written by trainees for trainees, this book provides exactly what you need to pass the exam.

    A concise resource that clearly explains the fundamental science and its application to anaesthetic practice, encompassing all aspects of the FRCA curriculum pertinent to physics and measurement
    Key words are highlighted in bold, allowing targeted learning and enhancing the reader's recollection
    Simple and appealing diagrams are easily reproducible in an exam setting and enhance the explanation of the more difficult concepts

Table of Contents

Part I. Mathematical Concepts:
1. SI units
2. Measuring systems
3. Simple mechanics: mass, force and pressure
4. Simple mechanics: work, energy and power
Part II. Heat, Temperature and Humidity:
5. Heat and temperature
6. Temperature measurement
7. Latent heat
8. Humidity
Part III. Gases, Vapours and Liquids:
9. Physics of gases
10. Vapours
11. Vaporisers
12. Fluid dynamics: laminar and turbulent flow
13. Fluid dynamics: Bernoulli and Venturi
14. Diffusion and osmosis
15. Surface tension
16. Medical gases: storage and supply
Part IV. Electricity and Magnetism:
17. Electricity – basics
18. Electricity – AC and DC
19. Electricity – generation and distribution
20. Electrical safety
21. Capacitance, inductance and defibrillators
22. Diathermy
23. Wheatstone bridge and strain gauges
Part V. Biological Signals:
24. Biological signals
25. ECG
26. EEG and EMG
Part VI. Waves, Light and Sound:
27. Resonance and damping
28. Ultrasound and Doppler
29. Light and optical fibres
30. Laser
31. Pulse oximetry
Part VII. Gas Analysis:
32. Gas analysis
33. Gas analysis – oxygen
34. CO2 analysis
Part VIII. Suction, CO2 Absorption and Cleaning:
35. Blood gas analysis
36. Suction and vacuum
37. CO2 absorption
38. Cleaning, disinfection and sterilization
Part IX. Radiology:
39. MRI
40. Ionising radiation
Index.

Aman Kalsi, Wessex Deanery
Aman Kalsi is a ST7 Anaesthetist, University Hospital Southampton, Wessex School of Anaesthesia, Southampton, UK.

Nikhail Balani, London Deanery
Nikhail Balani is a ST5 Anaesthetist, University Hospital Lewisham, South East School of Anaesthesia, London, UK.