General Anaesthetic

Question 1

Explain what GA is

Answer 1

GA is when you are put to sleep to allow tx to be carried out w/o pain or discomfort
Long waiting list - 1yr

Question 2

Side effects of GA

Answer 2

Dizzy
Sick
Headache
Sore throat from intubation
Agitated/upset on waking

RISKS
Allergic reaction
Death (3 in a million)

Question 3

How safe is GA?

Answer 3

Serious problems are uncommon
Most recover v quickly
The risk of life threatening complications for healthy children is less than 1 in 100,000

Question 4

What to expect on the day

Answer 4

Do not eat/drink
Dentists/anaesthetists + nurses look after your child
Stay with child till asleep
Not allowed in operating theatre
Contact if child develops a cough/cold within 2wks of operation or diarrhoea/vomiting within a few days of the operation
No school next day

Question 5

GA medical caution

Answer 5

Down syndrome
CF
Cardiac
Severe asthma

Question 6

Define the Gillick Compent

Answer 6

Maturity + understanding under 16 can consent

Question 7

What to include in referral

Answer 7

Patients name/address/contact no
MH+ GP name + address
Parental responsibility
Justification for tx
Tx plan + recent X-rays
Prev tx/anxiety