EHPLE Anesthesia study guide
EHPLE Anesthesia · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The EHPLE Anesthesia certification is a European health professions licensure examination intended for anesthesia providers - physicians training in anesthesiology and, depending on the national framework, nurse anesthetists and anesthetic technicians - who need to demonstrate the knowledge and judgment required to practise safely. It is a knowledge examination, not a substitute for supervised clinical training or for national licensure, and this platform is an independent study resource with no affiliation to the examining or licensing bodies. The EHPLE Anesthesia study guide has 9 sections and about 3,402 words.
01Basic Sciences Relevant to Anesthesia: Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, and Physics
This domain rewards a working model that connects anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and physics to bedside decisions. Expect calculation items (oxygen delivery, local anesthetic ceiling, clearance), waveform and pressure-volume interpretation, and questions asking why one drug or maneuver is preferred.
415 words, about 2 min02Preoperative Assessment and Patient Optimization
Preoperative items test whether you can stratify risk, decide which tests change management, and optimize comorbid disease without delaying necessary surgery. RCRI predictors: high-risk surgery (intraperitoneal, intrathoracic, suprainguinal vascular), ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, insulin-treated diabetes, and creatinine 2.0 mg/dL.
429 words, about 2 min03Airway Management and Ventilation
Airway items test prediction, preparation, and rescue: can you oxygenate, can you intubate, and what will you do when both fail? Predictors: mouth opening <3 cm, Mallampati 3-4, thyromental distance <6 cm, reduced neck mobility, obesity, beard, edentulous state, and prior difficulty.
373 words, about 2 min04Anesthesia Equipment, Monitoring, and Safety
This domain checks whether you can verify gas delivery, interpret monitoring waveforms, and recognize equipment failure before it harms the patient. Machine check: ASA checklist; verify oxygen supply, fail-safe and proportioning systems, minimum oxygen concentration, vaporizers, circuit leak and compliance, suction, and a self-inflating bag.
391 words, about 2 min05General and Regional Anesthesia Techniques
Technique items ask you to choose and execute anesthesia safely, including drug dosing, neuraxial contraindications, and complication management. General anesthesia triad: hypnosis, analgesia, immobility.
371 words, about 2 min06Intraoperative Management and Critical Events
Critical-event items test recognition and first actions under uncertainty: anaphylaxis, malignant hyperthermia, hemorrhage, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, and sudden hypotension. Anaphylaxis: hypotension, bronchospasm, rash, and GI symptoms.
365 words, about 2 min07Postoperative Care and Pain Management
Postoperative items test safe recovery, effective analgesia, and prevention of complications such as PONV, respiratory depression, and delirium. PACU discharge: Aldrete score ≥9 with stable vital signs; assess airway, breathing, circulation, consciousness, pain, nausea, urine output, and temperature.
341 words, about 2 min08Special Populations and Comorbid Conditions
This domain tests physiologic adjustments for pediatric, obstetric, geriatric, obese, and comorbid patients. Pediatric: weight-based dosing, higher MAC (sevoflurane about 2.5% in infants), bradycardia from hypoxia, laryngospasm, large head and small airway.
376 words, about 2 min09Professionalism, Ethics, and Patient Safety
Professionalism items test consent, capacity, disclosure, team communication, and safety culture-the nontechnical skills that prevent harm. Informed consent: capacity, disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives, voluntariness, and documentation.
341 words, about 2 min