Pre-Op

Question 1

What things are key to note from an anaesthetics hx?

Answer 1

Previous anaesthetics
Allergies and intolerance
Medications
PMH

Question 2

What FHx may be relavant?

Answer 2

Malignant hyperthermia apnoea

Suxamethonium reaction apnoea

Question 3

What would you ask about previous anaesthetics?

Answer 3

Were there any complications, did this elongate your hospital stay, any FHx with anaesthetics

Question 4

What would you ask about allergies and intolerance with regards to anaesthesia?

Answer 4

Ask about the nature of the reaction, specifically about penicillin and NSAIDS

Question 5

What medications do you need to screen for?

Answer 5

Anticoags, antiplatelets, anti-HTN, analgesia, and OTC incl herbal medicine

Question 6

PMH

Answer 6

Assess the severity

Any problems with your heart? Lungs? Diabetes? Strokes? Epilepsy? Reflux?

Question 7

What advice would you give about the fasting period for water, food and milk containing drinks and gum?

Answer 7

Water - up to 2 hrs (h2) before induction of anaesthetic
Food / milk-containing drinks - up to 6 hrs before induction of anaesthetic
Chewing gum - 2hrs before

Question 8

What do you do when discussing risks?

Answer 8

General risks, then ask if they want to know about the rarer risks and if they do, explain in detail