Anesthesia General

Question 1

Aims of Anesthesia

Answer 1

1. Hypnosis, muscle relaxation & analgesia
2. Maintain normal physiological functioning whilst administering the anaesthetic.
3. Using specific drugs allows a lower total dose of each drug due to synergism and therefore less chance of severe side effects

Question 2

Aims of Pre-Op

Answer 2

1. pertinent history
2. examination
3. special investigations
4. premedication orders

the patient must be fully informed of the attendant anaesthetic risks

Question 3

Aims of Pre-Induction

Answer 3

Machine, monitoring and equipment check.

Identifying the presence of emergency equipment.

Drugs and drawing-up the drugs to be used.

The patient is prepared for anaesthesia, e.g. by establishing venous access.

Administering pre- induction drugs.

Question 4

The high-risk period.

Answer 4

failure to recognise airway problems

untoward reactions to administered drugs

equipment and monitor malfunctions

Question 5

Aims of Maintenance

Answer 5

(i) Clinical grounds - colour, feel, temperature, pulse volume, auscultation

(ii) Non-invasive and invasive monitoring devices

(iii) “Point-of-Care” blood tests.

(iv) Problems that may arise include peri-operative fluid shifts, blood loss and aggravation of pre-existing medical or surgical conditions.

Question 6

Triad of Anesthesia

Answer 6

1. Hypnosis - awareness free
2. Analgesia - reflex free
3. Muscle Relaxation - movement free