Physics in Anaesthesia

Ben Middleton, Justin Phillips, Rik Thomas, Simon Stacey

• Publisher: Scion Publishing
• Year: 2012
• Print ISBN: 9781904842989
• eBook ISBN: 9781907904110
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Anesthesiology & Pain Management

Physics in Anaesthesia caters especially for those who consider themselves non-physicists. It covers the subject in an informative and accessible way from the very basics, and provides an important link between theory and practice.

Worked examples highlight the relevance to clinical practice, and along with graphs and charts, make the basics of physics understandable not only to doctors, but also to operating department practitioners and students. It does not assume that readers will have A level physics.

Two different types of self-assessment questions at the end of each chapter will test understanding of the key concepts, while a summary section for each topic is ideal as a rapid refresher, highlighting any problem areas.

From reviews:

"Its warm and familiar style of writing makes it accessible for all. Throughout each of the 29 chapters, there was a real feel that the authors knew what was needed of you... Many of the questions I spent hours flicking through appendices in other books for were clearly answered here....
There is a nice feel to this book. It is as if someone has sat down and really thought about each chapter. It feels more like your clever friend than a textbook. Current curriculums have been considered, as have common themes and questions...
In conclusion, although I have always believed that examination topics, with all randomness and occasional obscurity, can and never will be fully covered by a solo text, this book comes close. It is an excellent core text for anyone needing to learn physics in anaesthesia."

European Journal of Anaesthesiology, April 2014

"Overall, Physics in Anaesthesia succeeds in providing a concise and easy to read review text covering what has historically been a dry and difficult to present topic. The book is easy to understand and sufficiently covers most topics one would expect from such a book. It seems well suited for those studying for exams, but it can also serve as a good reference text for all levels of anesthesia providers."

Anesthesiology, September 2013

"This is an excellent refreshing and practical text whencompared with various older textbooks on physics for anesthesia…. The text iswritten in a concise, uncomplicated, and easily understood manner, andrepresentative clinical scenarios are often used…. In my view, this is a superbteaching textbook on basic physics…. I would recommend this textbook to ourAnesthesia Post-Graduate Program!"

Canadian Journal of Anesthesia (2012) 59: 1161–1162

"...a refreshing change from the more traditional textbooks with their pages of derivationsand small, bland, obscure figures..."

Technic: The Journal of Operating Department Practice, May 2012 Volume Issue 3

"...this text provides a fantastic resource for those wishing to consolidate their learning... A major strength of this book is its clear writing style. The well organised text is supported by excellent diagrams and highlighted key terms. There are clear learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, with a short summary and a multiple choice question test at the end... Overall, this is an excellent resource and essential revision tool."

Nursing Standard, June 2012, 30: vol. 26 no. 41

"This is a book specifically for anesthesia professionals written by Anesthetists, Physicists and Perfusionists. After reading the book cover to cover I can say without reservation, it is most certainly the easiest book on physics I have ever read. The simple and intuitive layout, easy to understand diagrams, relevant objectives and the quizzes at the end of each chapter help me expand my understanding of topics I was already a master of. That is saying something. This book is not just a 'must have' for students of anesthesia and any prospective anesthesia students looking to brush up before training but also for the working Nurse Anesthetists as a quick and easy to use reference."

www.nurse-anesthesia.org, June 2012

Table of contents

• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• About the authors
• Abbreviations
• Chapter 1 Atoms and matter
• Chapter 2 Simple mechanics
• Chapter 3 Energy and power
• Chapter 4 Temperature and heat
• Chapter 5 Waves
• Chapter 6 Pressure measurement
• Chapter 7 Humidity
• Chapter 8 Measurement of gas flow
• Chapter 9 The gas laws
• Chapter 10 Diffusion, osmosis and solubility
• Chapter 11 Measuring gas and vapour concentrations
• Chapter 12 Vaporizers
• Chapter 13 Medical gas supplies
• Chapter 14 Breathing systems and ventilation
• Chapter 15 Optics
• Chapter 16 Blood flow measurement
• Chapter 17 Equipment management
• Chapter 18 Basics of electricity
• Chapter 19 Electromagnetism and alternating current
• Chapter 20 Electrical shocks and safety
• Chapter 21 Electrocardiography, pacing and defibrillation
• Chapter 22 Processing, storage and display
• Chapter 23 Ultrasound
• Chapter 24 Lasers
• Chapter 25 Magnetic resonance imaging
• Chapter 26 Nuclear physics and radiation
• Chapter 27 Basic mathematical concepts
• Chapter 28 Physical quantities and SI units
• Chapter 29 Statistics
• Answers to self-assessment questions