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Antihypertensive medications don’t have to feel overwhelming or memorization-heavy. In this solo lecture, Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA breaks down antihypertensive pharmacology through physiology, mechanisms of action, and real-world anesthesia implications - exactly what SRNAs, CRNAs, and anesthesia providers need for boards and the operating room. This episode walks through the major classes of antihypertensives, focusing on how each drug lowers blood pressure rather than relying on disconnected lists. You’ll learn how antihypertensives interact with preload, afterload, heart rate, contractility, and systemic vascular resistance, and why those effects matter during induction, maintenance, and emergence from anesthesia. Key topics covered include: Beta blockers (β₁ vs β₂ effects, perioperative continuation, blunted sympathetic response) ACE inhibitors (ACE-Is) & ARBs: RAAS physiology, vasodilation, and refractory hypotension Calcium channel blockers (DHP vs non-DHP): vascular vs nodal effects Alpha agonists and antagonists How antihypertensives alter MAP, CO, SVR, and reflex tachycardia Why certain antihypertensives increase the risk of induction hypotension What to hold, continue, or anticipate on the day of surgery Throughout the episode, complex pharmacology is tied directly to: Hemodynamic management in anesthesia Common board scenarios and NBCRNA-style reasoning Vasopressor choice and response Drug interactions with propofol, volatile agents, opioids, and neuraxial anesthesia This lecture emphasizes understanding over memorization, helping anesthesia learners build a framework they can use in high-stakes clinical moments - not just exam day. 🎧 Antihypertensives explained for anesthesia learners - fewer flashcards, more confidence, safer patients.

Antiarrhythmics don’t have to feel like chaos. In this solo lecture, CRNA educator Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA breaks down antiarrhythmic pharmacology using clear physiology, memorable frameworks, and anesthesia-specific clinical relevance - perfect for SRNAs, CRNAs, and anesthesia providers preparing for boards and clinical practice. This episode walks step-by-step through the Vaughan Williams classification system (Class I–IV) and explains why these drugs work, not just what list they belong to. You’ll learn how antiarrhythmics interact with sodium, potassium, calcium channels, and beta receptors, and how those effects translate to changes in phase 0 depolarization, action potential duration, refractory periods, and conduction velocity. Key topics covered include: Class I sodium channel blockers (IA, IB, IC): how they alter phase 0, QRS width, and conduction Class II beta blockers: AV node effects, rate control, and anesthesia considerations Class III potassium channel blockers: action potential prolongation, QT interval risk, and torsades Class IV calcium channel blockers: nodal suppression and hemodynamic effects Why electrolytes (K⁺, Mg²⁺) matter when using antiarrhythmics How antiarrhythmics can become pro-arrhythmic What anesthesia providers must watch for in the OR, ICU, and PACU This lecture emphasizes mechanism-based understanding, tying pharmacology directly to: ECG changes Perioperative risk stratification Volatile anesthetics and arrhythmia risk Drug interactions common in anesthesia practice Board-style clinical reasoning for the NBCRNA NCE If you’ve ever memorized the Vaughan Williams classes and immediately forgotten them, this episode is designed to finally make antiarrhythmics stick - so you can reason through arrhythmias with confidence instead of panic. 🎧 Antiarrhythmics decoded for anesthesia learners - fewer tables, more understanding, safer practice.

Anticoagulants don’t have to feel overwhelming. In this solo episode, CRNA educator Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA breaks down the coagulation cascade and anticoagulant pharmacology in a clear, intuitive way designed for SRNAs, CRNAs, and anesthesia providers preparing for boards and real-world clinical practice. We start with a simple, step-by-step walkthrough of the intrinsic, extrinsic, and common pathways, then connect that physiology directly to how commonly used anticoagulants work — including unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), warfarin (Coumadin), and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This episode goes beyond memorization and focuses on mechanism-based understanding, explaining: Why heparin potentiates antithrombin III and primarily inhibits factor IIa (thrombin) and factor Xa Why PT/INR rises first with warfarin due to factor VII’s short half-life — not because warfarin “blocks the extrinsic pathway” How DOACs selectively target factor Xa or thrombin Which labs actually reflect drug effect (aPTT, PT/INR, ACT, anti-Xa) How electrolyte imbalances can turn anticoagulants into pro-arrhythmics or bleeding risks We also cover high-yield anesthesia considerations, including: Neuraxial anesthesia timing and safety ASRA-aligned anticoagulant hold times Reversal agents (protamine, vitamin K, PCCs, andexanet alfa, idarucizumab) Practical OR case scenarios you are likely to see in real practice If you’re studying for the NBCRNA NCE, teaching anesthesia pharmacology, or just want anticoagulants to finally make sense, this episode is designed to help you stop memorizing tables - and start building safe anesthetic plans. 🎧 Educational, board-relevant, and clinically grounded - this is anticoagulation for anesthesia providers who want to truly understand the “why.”

Respiratory pharmacology can feel deceptively simple — until you’re managing bronchospasm, hypoxia, or an unstable airway in the OR. In this solo episode of My Favorite Learners, CRNA and clinical faculty Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA breaks down respiratory physiology and pharmacology in a way that actually makes sense for boards, anesthesia practice, and real-time decision making. In this episode, we cover: Beta-2 agonists and how they work at the molecular level The Gs → adenylyl cyclase → cAMP → PKA pathway explained without memorization Why epinephrine works in severe bronchospasm The difference between bronchodilation, airway inflammation, and mucus plugging Where steroids (like methylprednisolone) actually fit — and where they don’t Common board traps and anesthesia-specific clinical pearls 🧠 Key focus: understanding why these drugs work - not just when to give them. If you’ve ever memorized respiratory drugs without fully trusting yourself to manage a crashing airway, this episode is for you. We connect physiology to pharmacology, pharmacology to practice, and practice to patient safety — so you can stop data-dumping and start thinking like an anesthesia provider. Perfect for: SRNAs and nurse anesthesia students CRNAs teaching or precepting learners ICU nurses transitioning to anesthesia Anyone who wants respiratory concepts to finally click As always, this episode is about clarity, confidence, and keeping patients safe - one breath at a time.

In today’s episode of My Favorite Learners, Chloe sits down with Dr. Becky Ashlock, DNP, CRNA - UC Davis faculty member, OB anesthesia clinician, and lifelong educator - to break down one of the most high-yield and clinically essential topics in anesthesia: endocrine pharmacology. Whether you're an SRNA preparing for boards, a CRNA in clinical practice, or a learner who wants to understand physiology on a deeper level, this conversation gives you the real-world anesthesia implications you actually need in the OR. We cover: Insulin pharmacokinetics, insulin pumps & intraoperative glucose management Hypothyroidism vs. hyperthyroidism and how each affects anesthetic planning Corticosteroids, HPA axis suppression & when to give stress-dose steroids Medication interactions every anesthesia provider should recognize SGLT2 inhibitors & the rising concern of euglycemic DKA Practical frameworks for thinking through endocrine disorders in anesthesia Dr. Ashlock blends physiology, clinical expertise, and decades of teaching experience to help learners move beyond memorization and actually understand the “why” behind endocrine management in the OR. Perfect for anesthesia students, new grads, CRNAs, and anyone wanting a stronger grasp of endocrine pharmacology.

In this episode, Chloe sits down with Tanner and Cole from Core Anesthesia for a high-yield, conversational breakdown of malignant hyperthermia - one of anesthesia’s most urgent and misunderstood crises. From the molecular dysfunction of the ryanodine receptor to the early OR red flags that every anesthesia provider must recognize, this episode blends science, clinical pearls, and real-world experiences that bring MH to life. Together, they cover:• What actually happens inside the muscle cell during an MH crisis• Early recognition: unexplained ETCO₂ rise, rigidity, acidosis, and more• Triggers, safe alternatives, and prepping an MH-safe anesthesia machine• Dantrolene vs. Ryanodex in practice• Postoperative management and recurrence risk• Mental resilience in crisis management - and how to stop carrying every case home Whether you’re a CRNA, SRNA, anesthesia student, or ICU nurse exploring the profession, this episode is packed with insight, support, and wisdom from three experienced clinicians and educators.

In this episode of My Favorite Learners, Dr. Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA sits down with Dr. Zafar Anwar, DNP, CRNA of NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell for a high-yield, clinically grounded deep dive into vasopressors and hemodynamic management. Together, they break down the pipes and the pump approach to understanding vasopressors - covering alpha, beta, and dopamine receptor physiology, selectivity, and how common agents like phenylephrine, ephedrine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, milrinone, and vasopressin work at the molecular and organ-system level. You’ll hear practical clinical pearls on:• Choosing the right vasopressor for hypotension under spinal anesthesia• Dopamine vs. dobutamine on boards and in the OR• Why phenylephrine is now preferred for parturients• How tachyphylaxis develops with ephedrine• Managing cardiogenic shock, vasoplegia, and refractory hypotension• Linking ACLS concepts (H’s & T’s, end-tidal CO₂) to anesthesia practice Dr. Anwar also shares his path into academia, the power of mentorship, and advice for SRNAs and ICU nurses transitioning into anesthesia training. This episode is perfect for SRNAs, CRNAs, anesthesia residents, ICU nurses, and anyone looking to strengthen their anesthesia pharmacology and vasopressor decision-making. Keywords: CRNA, SRNA, vasopressors, anesthesia pharmacology, hemodynamics, phenylephrine vs ephedrine, dopamine vs dobutamine, vasopressin, vasoplegic syndrome, nurse anesthesia education, anesthesia podcast, My Favorite Learners.

CRNA educator Chloe Gomez is joined by Chrissy Massaro, MSN, CRNA and Anna Jobe, DNP, CRNA to break down perioperative anaphylaxis - from the first red flags (rising peak pressures, bronchospasm, hypotension) to epinephrine-first treatment and what to document so patients stay safe long-term. We walk through a real-world appendectomy scenario, discuss common OR triggers (NMBAs, cefazolin, latex), tryptase labs, biphasic reactions, and practical tips for learners: early recognition, clear differentials, and communicating with your team.Follow the guests: @chrissycrna and @annajcrna, founders of @confidentcareacademy on TikTok and Instagram! www.confidentcareacademy.com for education purposes only; not medical advice.

In this episode of My Favorite Learners, host Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA sits down with Becky Motykiewics, DNAP, CRNA, a pediatric anesthesia expert and educator at Drexel University. Together they break down why “kids are not just small adults,” diving into pediatric pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) and pharmacodynamics (volatile agents, opioids, benzos, neuromuscular blockers). From the higher MAC needs of infants to clinical pearls for managing pyloric stenosis and tonsillectomies, this episode gives SRNAs, CRNAs, and anesthesia providers practical insights for caring for neonates and children. Whether you’re starting your first pediatric rotation or brushing up on safe dosing, you’ll walk away with confidence, memorable analogies, and board-relevant takeaways. Keywords: pediatric anesthesia, CRNA podcast, pharmacokinetics in pediatrics, pharmacodynamics in pediatrics, SRNA education, neonatal anesthesia, pharmacology podcast, anesthesia pharmacology

In this episode of My Favorite Learners, Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA, sits down with Dr. Rhea Temmermand, PhDc, MSN, CRNA, FAANA—neuropharmacology researcher at Drexel University, adjunct professor, textbook co-editor, and co-founder of Atomic Anesthesia—to make pharmacogenetics practical for the OR. We unpack how genetic variability shapes drug response beyond PK/PD: SNPs, drug targets and transporters, and the CYP450 story (including CYP2D6 phenotypes and why prodrugs like codeine can be risky). Rhea debunks the redhead/CYP2D6 myth, clarifies pseudocholinesterase deficiency with the dibucaine number you’ll see on boards, and walks through malignant hyperthermia (RYR1/CACNA1S) with real cases—plus the team dynamics of giving RYANODEX under pressure. We close with when genetic testing might help, ethical considerations, and Rhea’s evergreen clinical mantra: start low, titrate slow, go multimodal. Timestamps00:52 Rhea’s path from clinical CRNA to researcher & educator08:00 Polymorphisms, CYP450, and phenotype basics20:30 Pseudocholinesterase deficiency & dibucaine number (boards tip)27:30 MH recognition, treatment, and RYANODEX in the real world32:30 Pharmacogenetic testing: utility & ethics39:00 Practical takeaways for SRNAs & CRNAs Perfect for: SRNAs prepping for boards, CRNAs updating practice, and anyone curious about precision anesthesia.

In this episode of My Favorite Learners, host Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA sits down with Dr. Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA to explore one of anesthesia’s most urgent crisis scenarios: Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST). Together, they break down: How LAST progresses from early CNS warning signs (tinnitus, metallic taste, agitation) to cardiovascular collapse The mechanism of sodium-channel blockade and why high-risk populations (pregnancy, extremes of age, hepatic/renal disease) need extra vigilance Prevention strategies: test doses, incremental injection, ultrasound guidance, and crisis checklists The history and pharmacology behind lipid emulsion therapy (lipid rescue) and the latest simplified dosing updates Adjustments to ACLS protocols specific to LAST (small-dose epinephrine, avoiding vasopressin) Practical insights from both OB anesthesia and regional anesthesia practice Dr. Wilson also shares his journey from practicing CRNA to academic leader, faculty, and mentor through CRNA School Prep Academy, along with timeless advice for anesthesia learners: “The days are long, but the weeks are short.” Whether you’re a SRNA preparing for boards, a CRNA in clinical practice, or an educator teaching crisis management, this episode will leave you more confident in recognizing, preventing, and treating LAST. Don’t forget to subscribe, share with your anesthesia colleagues, and check out the ASRA LAST checklist for your own practice setting.

Struggling to stay awake while reading your anesthesia textbooks? In this episode of My Favorite Learners, CRNA and educator Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA dives into Make It Stick - the groundbreaking book on how we actually learn best - and translates its key lessons for Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs). You’ll learn practical strategies like:✅ Retrieval practice & brain dumps (your brain’s workout)✅ Spaced repetition vs. marathon cram sessions✅ Interleaving (why mixing topics boosts retention)✅ Mind maps, reflection tools, and apps like Anki & Quizlet Whether you’re preparing for pharmacology exams, clinicals, or the NCE, these evidence-based study methods will help you retain knowledge long-term and show up as a stronger, more confident provider in the OR. 🎧 Tune in, take notes, and discover why learning should feel hard—because that’s how it sticks.

In this solo episode of My Favorite Learners, host Chloe Gomez, CRNA, breaks down the complex topic of pharmacokinetics in a clear and clinically relevant way. Designed for SRNAs, CRNAs, anesthesia residents, and anyone preparing for boards, this episode covers the foundational concept of "what the body does to the drug"—also known as ADME: Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion. You'll learn: The bioavailability of common drug routes (IV, oral, IM, subQ, rectal) What influences distribution (lipid solubility, compartment models, volume of distribution) The difference between first-order and zero-order kinetics How hepatic metabolism works (Phase I & II, CYP450 system) What context-sensitive half-time means in real anesthesia cases How to think through renal clearance, clearance equations, and patient factors like age, temp, and comorbidities This episode is packed with real-world analogies and board-style insights that bring pharmacokinetics to life—perfect for anyone learning how to time their anesthesia meds or fine-tune a propofol drip. 💡 Whether you're reviewing for your anesthesia pharmacology exam or improving your patient care in the OR, this episode will make a tough topic finally click.

In this solo episode of My Favorite Learners, host Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA, breaks down local anesthetics in a way that’s clear, memorable, and clinically relevant—whether you’re prepping for boards, placing your first spinal, or managing labor epidurals. Based on Chapter 10 of Nurse Anesthesia by Elisha et al. (2023), Chloe covers: Mechanism of Action: How local anesthetics block voltage-gated sodium channels Onset, Duration & Intensity: Why pKa, lipid solubility, protein binding, and vascularity matter LAST (Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity): Early signs, treatment protocols, and real OB case studies Ester vs. Amide: Easy ways to remember which is which - and why it matters With clinical tips, board exam pearls, and her signature analogies (hello, string vs. power cord 🧵🔌), Chloe helps CRNA students truly understand local anesthetics, not just memorize facts. 📌 Perfect for: SRNAs, CRNAs, nursing students, anesthesia educators, and anyone wanting to solidify their grasp of local anesthetic pharmacology. 🎧 Subscribe for more board-focused, patient-safe content delivered in an easy-to-digest format.

In this episode of My Favorite Learners, host Chloe Gomez, DNP, CRNA is joined by educator and clinician Dr. Jeremy Heiner, faculty member and Head of Admissions at the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia and co-founder of TheNurseAnesthesia.com. Together, they dive into the pharmacology of intravenous anesthetic agents and how to make smart, patient-centered decisions in real-world anesthesia care. We’ll break down: Mechanisms of action for propofol, etomidate, and ketamine Pharmacokinetics and clinical side effects How patient comorbidities, hemodynamics, and procedure types influence drug choice Real-time decision making and evidence-based anesthesia planning Whether you're an SRNA preparing for boards or a practicing CRNA looking to refine your pharmacology game, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and expert insight on IV anesthetic agents. Subscribe and share this episode with your anesthesia community! Keywords for SEO: IV anesthetics, propofol vs ketamine, etomidate anesthesia, anesthesia pharmacology podcast, SRNA podcast, nurse anesthesia education, CRNA pharmacology, choosing induction agents