FRCA graphs, waveforms and equations

Graphs you can explain, not just recognise

Much of Primary FRCA revision, and a good part of the Final, rests on graphs: dissociation curves, pressure–volume loops, capnograms, pharmacokinetic curves and the physics behind monitoring. Graphs & Science draws each one cleanly, with labelled axes and the key points marked, so you can learn the shape and the reason for it.

Each item gives you:

• the graph, waveform or schematic, with a written Description of the visual;
• Explain in 60 seconds, a short structured explanation to say aloud;
• equations and worked examples where the topic has them;
• Reveal labels on labelled diagrams, and self-test questions on many items;
• exam-focus prompts for Primary Written, Primary Practical, Final Written and Final Practical.

Interactive anaesthesia graphs

26 items have an interactive version. Choose a pattern, move the sliders and read the values as the curve changes; then switch to Test yourself. They are teaching models with illustrative values. The interactive items are:

• Abnormal capnograms: obstruction, rebreathing, disconnection, low output, oesophageal tube
• Capnography: normal time and volumetric capnograms, dead space and EtCO2 versus PaCO2
• Competitive and non-competitive antagonism and the Schild plot
• Dose–response curves: linear and log axes, potency, efficacy and slope
• Dynamic assessment of fluid responsiveness
• Ejection fraction
• Exponential function, time constant and logarithms
• Flow–volume loops: normal, obstruction, restriction and upper-airway patterns
• Frank–Starling relationship
• Half-life, time constant, accumulation and washout
• Left ventricular pressure–volume loop
• Likelihood ratios, Bayes and the Fagan principle
• LV pressure–volume loops in valve disease
• Oxygen–haemoglobin dissociation curve and the Bohr effect
• Patient–ventilator dyssynchrony on matched ventilator traces
• Predictive values and prevalence
• Preload, afterload and contractility
• Pressure-controlled ventilation: traces and variable tidal volume
• PV loops in systolic and diastolic heart failure
• Receptor occupancy and response: spare receptors, partial and inverse agonists
• Sensitivity, specificity and test thresholds
• Venous return and cardiac function curves (Guyton)
• Ventilator traces: peak, plateau, driving pressure, auto-PEEP and time constants
• Ventilatory response to CO₂: threshold, slope and shifts
• Ventilatory response to hypoxia and the peripheral chemoreceptors
• Volume-controlled ventilation: flow delivery, pressure response and limits

For written preparation, pair graphs with the Primary Written textbook and question bank; for spoken practice, with Primary Practical.