Ether

Table 1 illustrates the advantages/disadvantages of ether:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Increases cardiac output Respiratory stimulant Contracts the uterus Good post operative analgesia Inexpensive Ideal for the high-risk patient	Pungent smell, addictive Irritant to the airway, causes secretions ++, atropine needed Slow uptake and recovery Difficult to use for inhalational induction Causes nausea and vomiting Flammability and explosion risk: Flammable in air Explosive in O₂/N₂O

Table 1 Advantages/disadvantages of ether

Question: How can you prevent fire and explosion in theatre when ether is used?

Table 1 illustrates the advantages/disadvantages of ether:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Increases cardiac output Respiratory stimulant Contracts the uterus Good postoperative analgesia Inexpensive Ideal for the high-risk patient	Pungent smell, addictive Irritant to the airway, causes secretions ++, atropine needed Slow uptake and recovery Difficult to use for inhalational induction Causes nausea and vomiting Flammability and explosion risk: Flammable in air Explosive in O₂/N₂O

Table 1 Advantages/disadvantages of ether

Question: How can you prevent fire and explosion in theatre when ether is used?

Answer:

Separate in time: if possible only use oxygen at the beginning and end of the anaesthetic
Separate in space: diathermy should not be used within 30 cm from the breathing circuit or airway
Antistatic precautions: antistatic tubing and floors