Clinical Practice

Abstract Submission

The Hidden Scar: Anesthesia and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (1 Class A CE with .5 Pharm)

Speaker(s)

• 

  Randy Cornelius, DNP, CRNA, ARNP

  CRNA
  Iowa Anesthesia L.C.
  Cedar Rapids, Iowa

70% of U.S. adult population (223.4 million) experience a traumatic event once in their life, 20% (31.3 million) will develop PTSD. 8% (24.4 million) of Americans have PTSD at any given time and 50% of all out-patient mental health patients have PTSD. PTSD is an independent predictor for emergence delirium, with an estimated 27% occurrence rate in combat veterans and up to 50% among combat injured veterans with PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Improper anesthetic technique and management of PTSD can put the patient and others in harm. Proper identification of PTSD along with proper anesthetic techniques and management will provide a better anesthetic experience for the patient with PTSD as well as the CRNA and hospital staff.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize and identify potential PTSD patients during the pre-anesthetic evaluation utilizing information provided during presentation.
• Formulate and implement an anesthetic plan that prevents or minimizes the incidence of emergence delirium in patients with PTSD by utilizing techniques discussed during the presentation.
• Identify current PTSD treatment options.
• Identify the pharmacodynamics of SSRIs, SNRIS, benzodiazepines, ketamine, and alpha-2 andrenergic agonists as related to impact of PTSD.