Instructions for Obtaining Journal CME Credit

Abstract

Anesthesiology’s journal-based CME program is open to all readers. Members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists participate at a preferred rate, but you need not be an ASA member or a journal subscriber to take part in this CME activity. Please complete the following steps:The American Society of Anesthesiologists is approved by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.The American Society of Anesthesiologists designates this continuing medical education program for a maximum of 1 hour of Category 1 credit toward the AMA’s Physician Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the activity.Purpose: The focus of the journal-based CME program, and the articles chosen for the program, is to educate readers on current developments in the science and clinical practice of the specialty of Anesthesiology.Target Audience: Physicians and other medical professionals whose medical specialty is the practice of anesthesia.Learning Objectives: After reading the articles related to this program, participants should have a better understanding of QT prolongation, the drugs that can produce it, and the clinical implications in surgical patients.Authors – Phillip E. Scuderi, M.D.Grants or research support: NoneConsultantships or honoraria: NoneThe article authored by Dr. Scuderi was supported solely from institutional and/or departmental sources.Authors — Beny Charbit, M.D., Pierre Albaladejo, M.D., Ph.D., Christian Funck-Brentano, M.D., Ph.D., Mathieu Legrand, M.D., Emmanuel Samain, M.D., Ph.D., and Jean Marty, M.D., Ph.D.Grants or research support: NoneConsultantships or honoraria: NoneThe article authored by Drs. Charbit, Albaladejo, Funck-Brentano, Legrand, Samain, and Marty was supported solely from institutional and/or departmental sources.Question Writer – Peter L. Bailey, M.D.Dr. Bailey has no grants, research support, or consultant positions, nor does he receive any honoraria from outside sources, which may create conflicts of interest concerning this CME program.Based on the article by Charbit et al. entitled “Prolongation of QTc interval after postoperative nausea and vomiting treatment by droperidol or ondansetron”http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl/trusted?issn=0003-3022&volume=102&issue=6&spage=1094&part=fulltextand its accompanying editorial by Scuderi entitled “You (still) can’t disprove the existence of dragons”http://content.wkhealth.com/linkback/openurl/trusted?issn=0003-3022&volume=102&issue=6&spage=1081&part=fulltextin the June issue of Anesthesiology, choose the one correct answer for each question:1. Which statement concerning the Prescription Drug User Fee Act of 1992 is most likely true?A. It allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to add a surcharge to the fee paid by patients when they purchase prescription drugs.B. It has reduced conflicts of interest between the FDA and pharmaceutical companies.C. It was intended to help expedite FDA approval of new drugs.D. It allows pharmaceutical companies to file complaints when drug approval by the FDA takes too long.2. Which statement concerning droperidol and QT prolongation is most likely true?A. Droperidol is unique in its ability to prolong the QT interval.B. QT prolongation associated with droperidol administration is common (>5%).C. Droperidol-induced QT prolongation has been demonstrated to result in polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsades de pointes).D. Deaths from droperidol-induced arrhythmias have been reported in the medical literature.3. Which statement concerning 5-HT3antagonists is most likely true?A. They do not prolong the QT interval.B. They have not been reported to produce cardiac arrhythmias.C. They induce QT prolongation by a mechanism which is similar to that of droperidol.D. Unlike droperidol, they do not block the rapid component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr).4. Which statement concerning QT prolongation in patients during the immediate postoperative phase is most likely true?A. QT prolongation in patients experiencing nausea and vomiting is uncommon (<2%).B. Hypothermia is associated with prolongation of the QT interval.C. Duration of anesthesia is inversely associated with prolongation of the QT interval.D. Prolongation of the QT interval does not occur until 90 minutes after the administration of droperidol.5. Which statement concerning the potential for drugs to prolong the QT interval is most likely true?A. Potent inhaled anesthetics have not been associated with prolonged QT interval.B. Propofol does not prolong the QT interval.C. Succinylcholine does not prolong the QT interval.D. Most currently available antiemetics can prolong the QT interval.