ICU Primary PrepCast: Recent Episodes

Swapnil

This podcast is about Intensive care pharmacology and physiology. This is created to prepare intensive care trainees for their primary CICM exams. However, it will be of benefit to anyone who works in intensive care and keen to acquire new knowledge or want to refresh their memory.

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in this episode, we discuss the role of various receptors and describe the terms - partial agonist, antagonist, and inverse agonists.

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In this episode, we discuss the concept of venous admixture and the effect of supplemental oxygen on it in adults.

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In this episode, we discuss the consequences of sudden and sustained afterload increase on the Left ventricle.

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In this episode, we discuss the differences between two diuretic medications - Furosemide and Acetazolamide.

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In this episode, we discuss various opioid receptors, their characteristics, distribution and activation process.

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In this episode, we discuss various mechanisms by which the kidney concentrates urine.

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In this episode, we discuss the CVS changes after the birth.

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In this episode, Dr Mike Clifford talks about respiratory changes occurring at birth.

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In this episode, we discuss the key characteristics of uteroplacental circulation, including double Bohr and double Haldane effect.

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In this episode, Mike and I discuss the physiological changes in the cardiovascular system during pregnancy and at the term, their implication on pharmacokinetics.

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In this episode, Mike and I discuss the respiratory changes during the pregnancy and at the term.

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In this episode, we discuss the control of breathing and its clinical relevance.

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In this episode, Mike discusses arterial pressure transducers, including natural frequency, resonance and damping.

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In this podcast, we discuss CO2 carriage in blood.

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In this episode, we discuss the structure and functions of adult haemoglobin.

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In this episode, we discuss various pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes that take place at term during pregnancy.

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In this snippet, we cover all the physiological factors affecting Cardiac output. 

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In this episode, we discuss various physiological factors affecting airway resistance.

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In this episode, Dr Mike Clifford explains the physiology of West Zones.

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in this episode, we discuss the pharmacology of GTN.

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In this episode, Mike talks about the principles of Hemofiltration and hemodialysis, along with the composition of fluid used in dialysis. 

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In this episode, Dr Mike Clifford explains the pathways for corneal, pupillary light, oculomotor and gag reflexes. 

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In this podcast, Maddi and I discuss the factors affecting SVR. 

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In this episode, Maddi covers various factors affecting PaCO2 levels.

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In this episode, we discus briefly the physics of ultrasound, the Doppler effect and the properties of transducers.

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In this episode, we discuss the classification of anti-psychotic medications and haloperidol pharmacology in depth.

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In this episode, we discuss various mechanisms for body water regulation.

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In this episode, we discuss the concept of mixed venous oxygen saturation and various factors affecting it. 

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In this episode, we discuss the pharmacology of 4% albumin. 

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In this epsiode, we discuss the MOA and adverse effects of iNO and prostacyclins. 

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In this epsiode, I discuss the events following vessel injury leading up to clot formation.

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In this episode, I discuss the physiology of smooth muscle cell contraction and how it differs from skeletal muscle cell contraction. 

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In this episode, I discuss the importance and limitations of Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance for renal function assessment.

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Wish you all a very happy 2023. From this episode, we will bring you the new series called Primary snippets, covering all difficult questions with less than a 50 % pass rate. The first snippet covers the impact of critical illness on pharmacokinetics.

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Join us in this episode, where we discuss the pharmacology of IV albumin, PRBC, along with the process of blood grouping and cross-matching. 

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Join us as we discuss the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of blood thinning agents commonly used in the Intensive Care setting.  Test yourself on our fun fact questions and more.

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In this episode, we discuss the functions of the liver, hepatic blood flow and the role of the cytochrome system in drug metabolism in intensive care.

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In this episode, we discuss the physiology of neuromuscular junction, the pharmacology and the principles of neuromuscular monitoring.

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In this episode, we discuss coagulation cascade, the principles behind ROTEM and the pharmacology of Tranexamic acid.

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In this episode, we discuss the physiology and pharmacology relevant to an elderly patient admitted to the intensive care unit.

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In this episode, we discuss

  1. How does thermoregulation work in Santa?

  2. How does a thermometer work?

  3. What are the physiological effects when Santa returns to the North Pole?

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In this episode, we continue to discuss how to prepare for primary exams at the bedside. We discuss carbohydrate metabolism, the pharmacology of TPN and the measurement of basal metabolic rate. 

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In this episode, we discuss the pharmacology of oxygen, the physics behind oxygen sensors in the ventilator and the mechanism of oxygen delivery. 

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In this episode, we discuss the anatomy of brainstem reflexes along with the pharmacology of mannitol, phenytoin and levetiracetam.

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In this episode, we discuss the modified Pomodoro technique for bedside Primary exam preparation. We examine the neurointensive care patient to discuss the anatomy of CSF production, Cerebral blood flow regulation and physics of ICP monitoring.

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In this episode, we discuss the modified Pomodoro technique to help Primary candidates prepare for their exams during daily bedside ward rounds. 3 questions were discussed in this episode - Pulse oximeter, Comparison between Noradrenaline and vasopressin, and physiological effects of hypoxia.

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Join us in the latest episode of ICU Primary Prepcast, where Dr Mike Clifford and I discuss how every ICU trainee can prepare for their primary exams on their day to day ward rounds. We suggest using the modified Pomodoro technique i.e - 3 questions at one-bed space per day (25 min total)
- One question about the pharmacology of one of the drugs that the patient is currently on
- one question about the monitor attached to the patient
- one question about the physiology related to that particular patient.
In this podcast we discuss -
Physics principle of arterial waveform analysis
Pharmacokinetic properties of Midazolam
Effect of PEEP on CVS physiology.

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In this episode, Mike Clifford and I discuss how to answer some of the probing vivas. 

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In this episode, we explore how the college examiner designs the viva and explores the knowledge on cerebral blood flow and NMDA receptors. 

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In this episode, college examiner Dr Mike Clifford walks us through the metathinking of constructing vivas and the examiner's expectations with the real-time demonstration. 

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In this episode, Primary examiner Mike Clifford from Victoria talks about the common pitfalls in the ICU Primary exam and shares his top tips for exam preparation.

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In this episode, we discuss some of the important concepts of Respiratory physiology like FRC, closing capacity and mixed venous oxygen content.

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In this episode, we discuss the anatomy and basic mechanics of the respiratory system.

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In this episode, we discuss the physics of invasive and noninvasive Bp monitoring along with the principles of cardiac output monitoring. 

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In this podcast, we discuss the physics of ultrasound and Doppler along with the principles used in pulse oximetry and EtCO2 measurements.

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In this episode, we discuss the physiology of the central nervous system in depth.

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In this podcast, Maddi and I discuss various frequently asked questions on GI Physiology. 

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Haematology physiology is commonly asked in ICU primary exams. Join us in this podcast where we discuss haematology physiology in depth.

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In-depth understanding of Immune system for intensive care trainee is essential. In this podcast, Maddi & I talk about innate immunity, MHC proteins, the role of T & B lymphocytes along with hypersensitivity reactions.

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In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss hepatic physiology in depth.

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In this podcast, we discuss what is GFR, how kidneys handle water homeostasis and bicarbonate regulation in detail. 

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In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss the obstetric physiology relevant to intensive care training.

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In this podcast, Maddi and I discuss some of the applied aspects of CVS physiology.

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In this podcast, Maddi and I discuss the basics of cardiovascular physiology and peripheral circulation.

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In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss cardiac output and its determinants along with relevant applied physiology to intensive care.

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In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss the coronary circulation and the electrical conduction system of the heart.

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In this episode, Maddi and I discuss the physiology of hypothalamus, pituitary and Adrenal glands.

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In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss thyroid and parathyroid physiology.

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In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss the physiology of pancreas along with basic of endocrine system. To access show notes, please visit www.critcareedu.com.au or click here.

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Use of local anaesthetics and steroids is not uncommon in ICU. In this podcast, Maddi and I discuss various pharmacological properties of these agents and their usage in Intensive care. 

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Use of Anti-viral agents and Anti-fungal agents in Intensive care is not frequent, though not uncommon. In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss most commonly used anti-viral and anti-fungal agents in Intensive care.


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In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss a few more commonly used antibiotics in Intensive care.

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In this podcast, Maddi and I discuss very commonly used classes of antibiotics in ICU i.e Penicillins and Cephalosporins.

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Antibiotic usage in intensive care is progressively increasing. Understanding of antibiotic pharmacology is the must for ICU physicians to get the dosing right and also, to tackle the problem of antibiotic resistance. In this podcast, Maddi an I discuss the various important concepts related to antibiotic pharmacology.

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Use of Insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents and thyroxine are everyday in intensive care unit. In this podcast, Maddy and I discuss these agents in detail.

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In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss the pharmacology of Intravenous fluids used in intensive care. IV fluids are an integral part of ICU patient management, and in-depth knowledge of these agents is essential.

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use of Blood and blood products in ICU is widespread. In this podcast episode, Maddi & I discuss various blood products and their implications in the ICU setting.

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In this podcast, Maddi & I continue to discuss other pharmacological agents such as antiplatelet agents, anti-fibrinolytic agents and plasminogen activators.

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Use of anticoagulants and their complications are quite common in intensive care. In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss commonly used anticoagulation agents in ICU. 

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Variceal bleeding & hepatic encephalopathy are commonly encountered gastrointestinal pathologies in ICU. In-depth knowledge of the pharmacological agents used in their treatment is often useful.  In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss somatostatin analogues, terlipressin, lactulose and rifaxamin along with the agents commonly used for the treatment of constipation. 

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Use of Stress Ulcer prophylaxis, antiemetic agents and prokinetics is quite common in the Intensive care unit. In this podcast, Maddi& I  discuss the pharmacology of these agents in depth.

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Oxygen is the most commonly used drug in ICU, while bronchodilator use in ICU is not uncommon. In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss the pharmacology of these medications.

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Use of anticonvulsant agents in Intensive care is not uncommon. In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss the pharmacology of commonly used anti-convulsant agents. The examiners like to ask about these agents, and in-depth knowledge of these drugs is essential.

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In this podcast, Maddi and I discuss very commonly used class of medications in intensive care, i.e., Sedative agents. Use of these agents is frequent and deep understanding of each of these agents is essential. 

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Come and join us to learn about a commonly used class of medications in the Intensive care unit, i.e. Opioids. In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss about opioid receptors, pharmacology of opioids pertinent to the intensive care and a reversal agent, i.e. Naloxone. 

Please provide your feedback @ icuprimaryprepcast@gmail.com  

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In this podcast, Maddi and I discuss the commonly used neuromuscular blockade agents in intensive care. Having the knowledge about these agents is crucial for day to day practice and for passing of the exams.

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In this podcast, Maddi & I discuss various anti-hypertensive agents used in intensive care units and their pharmacology. As an ICU trainee, it's important to have a basic understanding of these agents.

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Welcome to ICU Primary Prepcast. In this episode, Maddy and I discuss about various diuretic medications and their pharmacology. They are very commonly used medications in ICU setting and every trainee needs to have in-depth understanding of these medications.

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Welcome to ICU Primary Prepcast. In this episode, Maddy and I discuss about anti-arrhythmic medications and their pharmacology. They are one of the most commonly used medications in ICU setting and every trainee needs to have in-depth understanding of these medications.

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Come and join us to learn about very commonly used class of drugs in intensive care i.e Inotropes.

In this podcast, Maddy & Swapnil discuss about various inotropes in detail. We hope that this will be useful for all ICU trainees and nursing staff.