Types of Anesthesia Flashcards
General Anesthesia (GA)
Produces a loss of consciousness including an absence of pain sensation. The patient’s vital signs (VS) –heart rate, breathing rate, pulse, and blood pressure – are carefully monitored when using a general anesthetic
Intravenous (IV)
Route for administering general anesthesia via injection into a vein
Inhalation
Route for administering general anesthesia by breathing it in
Regional Anesthesia
Also referred to as a ‘nerve block.’ This anesthetic interrupts a patient’s pain sensation in a particular region of the body, such as the arm. The anesthetic is injected near the nerve that will be blocked from sensation. The patient usually remains conscious
Local Anesthesia
Produces a loss of sensation in one localized part of the body. The patient remains conscious
Subcutaneous
Method of applying local anesthesia involving injecting the anesthetic under the skin. This type of anesthetic is used to deaden the skin prior to suturing a laceration
Topical Anesthesia
Method of applying local anesthesia involving placing a liquid or gel directly onto a specific area of skin. This type of anesthetic is used on the skin, the cornea, and the mucous membranes in dental work