Multiple choice questions for assessment of primary FFARCS course students.

Multiple choice questions have been used to assess the progress of 105 postgraduate anaesthetic students over three successive academic years, at the University of Liverpool. Analysis of the results of these tests had revealed a good correlation existing between the MCQ scores obtained and success or failure in the Colleges' Primary FFARCS examinations. Both retrospective and prospective analyses are presented. The value of serial MCQ tests is discussed in relation to encouraging and discouraging students in sitting postgraduate examinations. Analyses of these tests are also of value in planning teaching programmes, assessment of teaching and predicting overall successes and failure of students.

Metabolism of halothane after its repeated administration in man.

Metabolism of halothane following its repeated administration, was studied in three patients by estimating the blood bromide concentrations before, during and after halothane anaesthesia. In one patient, the blood halothane concentration was measured during and after its administration. The fraction of halothane metabolised was found to be increased after its repeated administration. This was proved by the rapid clearance of halothane and the increased blood bromide concentration.

Estimation of halothane in tissues by gas chromatography.

Halothane was extracted from tissues by n-heptane and estimated by gas-chromatography using an electron capture detector unit. Variation in halothane concentrations between adjacent pieces of tissue was found. The 95% confidence limits of a single estimation was +/- 10.8% of the mean for liver and +/- 6.1% for the muscle in pigs. The corresponding figures in rats were +/- 9.5% and +/- 3.0%.

A comparison of buprenorphine and pethidine for immediate postoperative pain relief by the i.v. route.

A comparison was made of the relief of pain after operation, obtained following the i.v. administration of buprenophrine and pethidine in 60 patients with lower abdominal incisions. No difference could be detected between the maximum analgesia produced by eigher drug, but analgesia following buprenorphine appeared to last about four times as long as that following pethidine. When the drugs were compared on a "dose per body weight" basis the results supported a ratio of potency in the order of 1 : 200 in favour of buprenorphine. Vomiting, drowsiness and dizziness were less frequent following buprenorphine, but a similar frequency of nausea was observed with both agents. Marked miosis occurred 5--10 min after the i.v. injection of buprenorphine, but no serious side-effects were observed with either drug. The i.v. injection of buprenorphine, but no serious side-effects were observed with either drug. The i.v. administration of buprenorphine appeared to be effective in the management of pain after operation in patients with lower abdominal incisions.

[Use of closed circuit television for teaching tracheal intubation to medical students]. / Emploi de la télévision en circuit fermé pour l'enseignement de l'intubation trachéale aux étudiants en médecine

There are many occassions when patients could benefit from early intubation. This skill should be acquired by all doctors and not only by resuscitators and trainee anaesthetists. In Liverpool, all undergraduates in their fifth year of medicine are expected to intubate a minimum of ten patients lnder supervision of the anaesthetist. The use of closed circuit television has been explored and its value assessed in the teaching of intubation to undergraduates. The availability of hardware that is inexpensive, relatively simple to use and requiring minimal staff, such as Phikips VCR N1500 has made this approach to all. Videotapes are superior to film for this, since they are cheap, reusable and do not require chemical processing. The medium is versatile and replay immediate. Student performance can be recorded and replayed to allow positive identification of an imperfect technique. The videotape permits discussion and demonstration of methods of improvement of technique. A pre-recorded tape can be used to illustrate the anatomy and to demonstrate intubation in the absence of a patient. The fact that this is in black and white at the moment may be a disadvantage, but colour is not essential for recognition of the anatomy of the larynx. It must not be forgotten that in Britain, written permission is required before recording patients on "videograms". This can be obtained by modification of the consent forms signed by the patients prior to surgery.