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.

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 is a ST7 Anaesthetist, University Hospital Southampton, Wessex School of Anaesthesia, Southampton, UK.
Nikhail Balani is a ST5 Anaesthetist, University Hospital Lewisham, South East School of Anaesthesia, London, UK.