Atomic Anesthesia

By Rhea Temmermand, PhD, CRNA & Sachi Lord, MSN, CRNAScience Education Natural Sciences

Atomic Anesthesia episodes

June 16YOUR COPD PATIENT IS ON THE TABLE - NOW WHAT? │ EP98
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Why COPD is more than a lung problem — how alveolar destruction, V/Q mismatch, and cor pulmonale connect at the bedside
How to ventilate a COPD patient intraoperatively: I:E ratios, PEEP strategy, and avoiding auto-PEEP
The pharmacology of bronchodilators — LABAs, LAMAs, and inhaled corticosteroids — and which ones to continue on the day of surgery
Anesthetic agent selection for reactive airways: why volatile agents help, why nitrous oxide doesn't, and when to consider TIVA
Postoperative priorities: extubation to NIV, oxygen titration in CO2 retainers, and preventing reintubation

💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
SEE/NCE Study Plan — a structured, week-by-week plan to pass your boards
Non-Opioid Pharmacology Cheat Sheet — every non-opioid analgesic you need to know, one page
GPCR Cheat Sheet — G-protein coupled receptors decoded for anesthesia

💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Dr. Temmermand at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
Mentioned in this episode:
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
22 min
June 09SEVOFLURANE, ISOFLURANE, DESFLURANE: WHICH ONE AND WHEN? │ EP97
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Why desflurane needs its own specialized Tec 6 vaporizer (and what its 22.8°C boiling point means for safe delivery)
The four inhalational agents you need to know cold — sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane, nitrous oxide — with MAC values, blood:gas coefficients, and clinical trade-offs
How coronary steal actually works with isoflurane, and when it matters at the bedside
The second gas effect explained at the alveolar level: concentrating effect + augmented inflow
Compound A, carbon monoxide, methionine synthase inhibition — the metabolic pitfalls each agent brings to a case
Tailoring agent choice for pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, neuro, and cardiac patients

💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
GPCR Cheat Sheet — G-protein coupled receptors decoded for anesthesia
SEE/NCE Study Plan — a structured, week-by-week plan to pass your boards
Non-Opioid Pharmacology Cheat Sheet — every non-opioid analgesic you need to know, one page

💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Dr. Temmermand at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you're a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That's where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we're a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we'll get started! — Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
FREE RESOURCE FOR THIS EPISODE:
SEE/NCE Study Plan — A structured, week-by-week plan to pass your boards. Head to atomicanesthesia.com/freebies/see-nce-study-plan to grab it free.
MORE FREE STUDY RESOURCES:
Non-Opioid Pharmacology Cheat Sheet — Every non-opioid analgesic you need to know, on one page
GPCR Cheat Sheet — G-protein coupled receptors decoded for anesthesia
WANT THE FULL PLATFORM?
Atomic Anesthesia is the all-in-one study platform built specifically for SRNAs — lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and more. Start your free trial at atomicanesthesia.com.
Mentioned in this episode:
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
30 min
June 05STAYING COOL UNDER PRESSURE: LESSONS FROM A FLIGHT PARAMEDIC │ EP96
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA educators Rhea Temmermand and Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Introduction to our new partners, Jake & John, from the Incomologists
Lessons from John's experience as a flight paramedic that we can all apply to crisis management for anesthesia practice

💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
[SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN] [RN ICU DRUG CHART]
💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Sachi & Rhea at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
[NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP] [INSTAGRAM] [TIKTOK] [YOUTUBE]
Mentioned in this episode:
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
54 min
May 20WORLD CONGRESS OF NURSE ANESTHETISTS: WHAT I LEARNED IN THE DOWN UNDER │ EP95
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com
In this episode:
Atomic Anesthesia platform 2.0 updates, including faster performance and new study features.
Highlights from the World Congress of Nurse Anesthetists in Brisbane
Overview of International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists and global nurse anesthesia standards at IFNA.org
Reflections on global anesthesia practice, patient safety, and international collaboration.

💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
[SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN] [RN ICU DRUG CHART]
💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Dr. Temmermand at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
[NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP] [INSTAGRAM] [TIKTOK] [YOUTUBE]
Mentioned in this episode:
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
24 min
April 20XENOTRANSPLANTATION: THE END OF ORGAN SHORTAGE? │ EP94
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
Xenotransplantation is becoming clinically real, using genetic engineering to allow pig organs to function in humans
Recent cases, including 271 days of pig kidney support, show potential as a bridge to human transplant
Key challenges include chronic rejection, coagulation mismatch, and evolving immunosuppression
For anesthesia, these patients bring unstable physiology, unpredictable hemodynamics, and increasing clinical relevance

💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
[SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN]
[RN ICU DRUG CHART]
💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Dr. Temmermand at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
[NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
[INSTAGRAM] [TIKTOK] [YOUTUBE]
Mentioned in this episode:
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
12 min
April 03STOP OVERTHINKING YOUR MISTAKES IN CRNA SCHOOL AND ACTUALLY MOVE ON │ EP93
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
Why overthinking mistakes in CRNA school keeps you stuck instead of actually improving
The difference between self-deprecation, reflection, and real growth (and why most students get this wrong)
How small moments in sim and clinical turn into mental spirals and how to stop that cycle
Three practical mindset shifts to stop replaying mistakes and actually move on
Real clinical and classroom examples of mistakes and how to handle them without losing confidence

💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
[SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN]
[RN ICU DRUG CHART]
💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Dr. Temmermand at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
[NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
[INSTAGRAM] [TIKTOK] [YOUTUBE]
Mentioned in this episode:
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
20 min
March 31MASTERING AIRWAY ANATOMY & NERVE INJURY FOR BOARDS AND EVERYDAY PRACTICE │ EP92
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
How the larynx functions as a dynamic valve balancing ventilation, airway protection, and phonation
Functional airway anatomy of the supraglottic, glottic, and subglottic regions and why it matters during laryngoscopy and intubation
How laryngeal cartilages and joints (especially the cricoid and arytenoids) drive vocal cord movement and airway patency
Clinical patterns of nerve injury (SLN vs RLN) and how they present as hoarseness, aspiration risk, or airway obstruction
Mechanisms, triggers, and stepwise management of laryngospasm in the perioperative setting

💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
[SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN]
[RN ICU DRUG CHART]
💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Dr. Temmermand at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
[NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
[INSTAGRAM] [TIKTOK] [YOUTUBE]
Mentioned in this episode:
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
35 min
March 19THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER OF CRNA SCHOOL NO ONE WARNS YOU ABOUT │ EP91
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
Featuring SRNA Julie (“Grad School Jules”) discussing the emotional realities of CRNA school that students rarely talk about
The psychological phases of the CRNA journey from application anxiety to early-semester overwhelm
Why imposter syndrome is so common among SRNAs and how it affects high-achieving students
Unrealistic expectations students bring into anesthesia school and what the learning curve actually looks like
Practical mindset shifts to navigate stress, build resilience, and succeed during the CRNA training journey

💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
[SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN]
[RN ICU DRUG CHART]
💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Dr. Temmermand at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
[NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
[INSTAGRAM] [TIKTOK] [YOUTUBE]
Mentioned in this episode:
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
30 min
March 10HOW OPIOIDS ACTUALLY WORK IN THE BODY (CELLULAR MECHANISM EXPLAINED) │ EP90
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
How opioids produce analgesia by decreasing synaptic transmission in central pain pathways rather than blocking nerve conduction
μ, κ, and δ opioid receptor pharmacology and how Gi-coupled GPCR signaling alters calcium, potassium, and cAMP
How opioids reduce pain by suppressing ascending nociceptive signaling and enhancing descending inhibitory pathways
The physiologic basis of common opioid effects including respiratory depression, sedation, bradycardia, and GI effects

💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
[SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN]
[RN ICU DRUG CHART]
💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Dr. Temmermand at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
[NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
[INSTAGRAM] [TIKTOK] [YOUTUBE]
12 min
March 02BUILT UNDER PRESSURE: LESSONS WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM MILITARY CRNA TRAINING │ EP89
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.
⚠️ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER: [NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
In this episode:
Featuring Dr. Jerrol Wallace, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, sharing firsthand insight into military nurse anesthesia training and deployment experience
Military CRNA training pathway and selection standards
Operational readiness and austere anesthesia environments
Trauma intensity, deployment medicine, and prolonged field care
Autonomy, leadership development, and high-stakes decision-making

💜 LIVE WEBINAR: Save your seat on our monthly, free webinars. Replays are sent to your inbox and you get access to all of our previous webinars.
[WEBINAR SIGN UP]
💜 FREE DOWNLOADS: Grab your copy of customized study plans & worksheets.
[SEE/NCE STUDY PLAN]
[RN ICU DRUG CHART]
💜 CONNECT: 📥 Email questions, comments or topic suggestions to Dr. Temmermand at [email protected], follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter.
[NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP]
[INSTAGRAM] [TIKTOK] [YOUTUBE]
Mentioned in this episode:
💜 PARTNERS: The Incomologists®
https://theincomologists.com/
You work hard caring for others—let us take care of you. Whether you’re a W-2 employee or transitioning to a 1099 role, we understand the unique challenges healthcare professionals face, from insurance coverage to financial planning. That’s where we step in.
Like you, we are a team of healthcare providers who understand your needs and help you find tailored insurance plans and financial strategies without the hassle or pressure. And we’re a partner you can rely on, today and in the future.
We evaluate all available options and resources in the market to protect our clients, so contact us, and we’ll get started! - Jake Bevilacqua, CRNA ([email protected])
23 min

About Atomic Anesthesia

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Atomic Anesthesia, the essential podcast for nurse anesthesia residents seeking to master both basic and clinical science education (and RNs looking to become CRNAs, too!). Join us as we break down tough science concepts and demonstrating their practical clinical application in real-world scenarios.