Ep 174: Anesthesia Practice Considerations When Dealing with a Methamphetamine Patient

With the rise in methamphetamine use across the country, CRNAs need to be prepared to provide anesthesia to a substance use disorder patient. Jenny Krogh, CRNA, has noticed several misconceptions and conflicting management of patients who have used methamphetamines through her time working and researching. Today she joins us to explain the effects of methamphetamines on the body and clarifies some of the inaccuracies. 

Read her research: https://www.apsf.org/article/practice-considerations-for-the-anesthesia-professional-for-methamphetamine-substance-use-disorder-patients/ 

Learn more about financial planning: https://www.crnafinancialplanning.com/ 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

What we discuss in this episode: 

2:39 – Introducing our guest

5:28 – Why we are talking about this

7:14 – The use of meth in patients

8:52 –  Why words are important

10:21 – Neurochemistry

14:39 – Chasing the high

17:59 – How meth use changes anesthesia

20:44 – Treating hypertension 

23:01 – How it affects work in the OB

28:09 – Use of Ketamine

30:20 – Her research

34:04 – Final thoughts

37:21 – Lightning Round