Monday 19112007 - Local Anaesthetics

Today's morning lecture was something I looked forward to. It was indeed a very interesting and the most relevant into practice so far. It was on local Anaesthetics. I need to pass this module to enable me licensed in administering independently prescribed only medicines and local anaesthetics at different sites. This also include the use of adrenaline and adrenaline mixed local anaesthetics. They come in various forms of names and types depending on what the clinician is aiming for. Some may last for 1-2hours, whilst others may last up to 8 hours. Selection will be based on the type of patient, the contra-indications that a patient might or might not have, patient group and their tolerance. Normally local anaesthetics are hypoallergenic but there are cases where patient might developed a major allergic reaction of anaphylactic reactions that requires immediate attention like CPR, or resuscitation.

Anyways, I had to cram tons of information that involved figures and massive whip arse formulae and calculation. For instance 1% Lignocaine has a strength of 3mg/kg with a maximum dosage of 200mg. So before administering, I will need to calculate in terms of patient's weight, the tolerance and the circulation of the patient as well as the nature of the surgery before administering safely. That was fine and all. Went off to the library and did some practise. Fiona was there as well, she had this amazing way to do a "9x" multiplication technique. Amazing!!

Later in the afternoon, we had a 2 hour lecture on reliability and validity in clinical research. God that was the most dreadful research lecture ever!!!! The lecture was divided into three, in quantitative where it was divided into reliability and validity whereas qualitative was done all in one. I managed to stay awake although being a hypocritically paying attention. Frankly, I was just dreaming and dreading all the way through!!!! I was imagining what I'm gonna cook for dinner and all. So, squash and corrainder soup it was!!!!

I just had it minutes ago and I shared some to AD. I had it with baguette roll. It was fine, although not very presentable, but it tasted so good!!!




Squash and Corriander soup:

Ingredients:

• Butternut squash cut into cubes
• Diced onions
• Fresh corriander leaves and stalk
• Butter
• Chicken cube / vegetable stock
• Salt
• Pepper
• Some sugar
• Oyster sauce
• Cream

Method:

• Heat pot and add butter and onions. Sweat the onion until it's transparent
• Add in the vegetables and corrainder and let it mix and caramelised
  
• Add enough water up to your preferred consistency
• Mash or blend once ingredients turned soft
• Add more water if necessary
• Seasoned to taste
• Add a dollop of fresh cream (optional)

Note: Other recommended vegetables also include broccoli, celery, potatoes, leek, celery and cauliflower.