Anaesthetic Recovery

Question 1

What should you consistently do as the surgeon is suturing the patient or on the last stretch of the procedure?

Answer 1

Offer to turn down the ISO to ensure that the patient does not have a late recovery.

Question 2

What are 5 things that must be done once the procedure has concluded?

Answer 2

1. Turn off ISO + uncuff ETT.
2. Leave on 100% O2 for 3-4 minutes.
3. Ensure Sp02 is >95% at room air.
   - Patient may also be blinking at this stage.
4. Assess HR, RR, MM, CRT, reflexes, eye position, pupil dilation, temp.
5. Disconnect O2 + transport to cage.
   - If patient is moving head and swallowing, extubate on table.

Question 3

You have moved the patient to their cage, what are 5 general things that must be done to ensure a smooth wake-up?

Answer 3

1. Loosen ETT line.
2. Assess HR, RR, MM, CRT, eye position, pupils, jaw tone, temp, other reflexes.
3. Assess signs of wakefullness, e.g., swallowing and other signs (limb move, strong palpebral, head lift)

Question 4

The patient has concluded their dental procedure and has just been brought to its cage for extubation. What is 1 thing that should be done to protect the airways from debris and dental fluid?

Answer 4

Place a rolled-up towel underneath their neck to help the debris away from the airways and hopefully leave their throat with the ETT.