Cer.A.T.T. case studies
Cer.A.T.T. · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Anesthesia Technician/Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) credential is a professional certification for the technicians and technologists who keep anesthesia care running: setting up and checking machines and breathing circuits, supporting airway management, preparing and tracking medications, maintaining monitors, reprocessing equipment, and assisting the anesthesia care team during routine cases and emergencies. It is generally pursued by people already working in or training for anesthesia support roles - surgical services staff, anesthesia technicians, and students in anesthesia technology programs - and is often used as a benchmark of job-ready competence for hiring and advancement. The Cer.A.T.T. case studies are 5 cases and about 3,930 words.
1Pipeline Oxygen Failure Mid-Induction: Cylinder Bridge or Room Change
At 08:05 a 64-year-old, 92 kg man is under general anesthesia for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Room 6. The Fabius GS is running 4 L/min fresh gas flow on 50% O2/air.
890 words, about 4 min2Sudden End-Tidal CO2 Collapse After Central Line Placement
During a robot-assisted prostatectomy the table is at 30 degrees Trendelenburg and the abdomen is insufflated to 15 mmHg. Five minutes after right internal jugular central line insertion, end-tidal CO2 falls from 34 to 19 mmHg in under a minute, SpO2 falls from 99% to 93%, blood pressure falls from 106/64 to 72/40, heart rate rises from 82 to 128, and peak airway pressure rises from 26 to 33 cm H2O.
682 words, about 3 min3The Concentration Change Nobody Told the Pump
Six weeks ago pharmacy changed the standard norepinephrine bag from 4 mg/250 mL to 8 mg/250 mL. The laminated rate card for the old concentration is still taped to the top of the infusion pump.
718 words, about 4 min4Third Laryngoscopy at SpO2 79%: When to Stop
A 41-year-old man (124 kg, BMI 44, 47 cm neck circumference, Mallampati 4, 3 cm mouth opening, full beard, thick chest) is under general anesthesia for an urgent appendectomy after a rapid sequence with rocuronium 1.2 mg/kg. Direct laryngoscopy attempt 1 (Macintosh 4) gave a grade 3 view; attempt 2 with a bougie and cricoid pressure gave grade 4 with blood in the oropharynx.
748 words, about 4 min5Malignant Hyperthermia at 02:10 With a Short Dantrolene Supply
A 22-year-old, 70 kg man with a femur fracture is under sevoflurane at 2.0% and received succinylcholine 100 mg for induction 25 minutes ago. End-tidal CO2 has climbed from 38 to 64 mmHg despite minute ventilation being increased from 5 to 8 L/min, heart rate is 138, blood pressure 148/92, temperature 38.4 degrees C, and the masseter muscles are tight.
892 words, about 4 min