Sample Question

ST1 Anaesthetics Training Interview

It is your first full day as an anaesthetic trainee and you're doing a day surgery list. The consultant you're working with is slightly delayed and phones asking you to see the first patient, a 55-year-old male smoker with well controlled angina for inguinal hernia repair. He realises it is your first day in anaesthetics and he'll join you in 10 minutes. How would you approach this anaesthetic pre-assessment?

Model answer
Don't panic... you've seen this question many times before! This is really just a question from medical finals with an anaesthetic slant. You're not expected to have anaesthetic knowledge. It tests your ability to think sensibly on your feet. What does any patient assessment involve? History, examination, investigations. Say something sensible and structured. You will not becessarily be expected to mention all the points below.

History
• Introduce yourself to the patient and explain that the consultant will join you shortly
• Directed history focusing on cardio-respiratory systems
• Any other medical problems?
• Suffers from acid reflux (aspiration risk at anaesthetic induction)?
• Drug history and allergies (also has he taken medications today?)
• Previous anaesthetics?' For what and when?; Any problems or family history of problems?

Examination and Investigations
• Airway examination: dentition, mouth opening, neck movement (if you mention airway exam - excellent, details may not be expected)
• Listen to heart and lungs
• ECG, U&Es, FBC

Other
• Confirm operation and laterality
• Confirm patient is fasted
• State that you will discuss anaesthetic technique when the consultant arrives
• Any questions the patient wants to ask you?