Physics, Pharmacology and Physiology for Anaesthetists: Key Concepts for the FRCA

Every effort has been made in preparing this book to provide accurate and up-to-date information which is in accord with accepted standards and practice at the time of publication. Although case histories are drawn from actual cases, every effort has been made to disguise the identities of the individuals involved. Nevertheless, the authors, editors and publishers can make no warranties that the information contained herein is totally free from error, not least because clinical standards are constantly changing through research and regulation. The authors, editors and publishers therefore disclaim all liability for direct or consequential damages resulting from the use of material contained in this book. Readers are strongly advised to pay careful attention to information provided by the manufacturer of any drugs or equipment that they plan to use. Section 3 * Principles of special equipment Magnetic resonance imaging Refraction and fibre-optics Laser principles Surgical diathermy Medical ultrasound The Doppler effect Oesophageal doppler Cardiac output measurement Goal directed fluid therapy Defibrillators Breathing systems Ventilator profiles Pulse oximetry Capnography Absorption of carbon dioxide Neuromuscular blockade monitoring

Foreword to the second edition

An understanding of physics, pharmacology and physiology is central to high quality patient care. Grasping the key concepts is not optional: it is an essential cornerstone underpinning the frequent judgements that have to be made in everyday clinical practice.

Today, information is available from many sources: books, journals, the internet, and podcasts. However, some of this is not written for the postgraduate student and a proportion is unfiltered and of uncertain provenance. Sorting the wheat from the chaff can be both time-consuming and frustrating, and not infrequently leaves the explorer less, rather than more, focused in their awareness of what really counts.

This book, written by two enthusiasts whose own experiences of postgraduate examinations is still within recent memory, is a considerable contribution to the resources of those preparing for postgraduate examinations in anaesthesia and intensive care. In terms of key subject areas, I cannot find anything included within it that is not essential and I can think of nothing excluded which is.

The text is clear and concise: the diagrams are immediately comprehensible but do not lack detail; the general presentation reflects good examination technique. The authors themselves recognize the need for more detailed companion texts where deeper study is necessary and have not tried to misrepresent their book's place in the wider armamentarium of the examinee.

What all examinees need as they study for, and approach, postgraduate examinations is a single reliable source of pre-prepared essential information that they can both carry with them and refer to with confidence. This book meets these two needs admirably. In addition, the text style demonstrates the way to convey information quickly but without unnecessary embellishmentthe ideal method for a candidate to adopt.

In summary, I think this is a valuable second edition of a text that has already received a considerable following. The authors have done an excellent job; postgraduate trainees have available a book that 'does what it says on the can'; and examiners can look forward to future answers with that frequently elusive 'high signal to noise ratio'.

All I can do now is to wish both the authors and the readers the very best in their personal efforts to provide high quality care for patients. This after all, is what medicine is all about.