Types of Anesthesia

General

Regional

MAC: Monitored Anesthesia Care

Local

When used:

long surgeries

require skeletal muscle relaxation

require uncomfortable operating positions

require control of respiration

induced by IV or inhalation - maintained by either one or both

require deep breathing/coughing post-op

may cause lung irritation / sore throat

Drugs

IV administration

pleasant sleep - rapid onset

used as induction agents prior to inhalation agents

Barbiturates

Nonbarbiturates Hypotonics

induce sleep

may cause nausea

Inhalation administration

via volatile liquids or gases by mask or artificial airway

always administer with oxygen as a carrier gas

enters body via alveoli

may irritate respiratory tract

Volatile liquids (isoflurane, desflurane) cause

respiratory depression

hypotension

myocardial depression

Nursing Considerations

patients with heart/respiratory problems

medications patient is taking

Gaseous Agents

weak anesthesia

rarely used alone

administered with oxygen to prevent hypoxia

Adjuncts to General Anesthetic

drugs added an inhalation anesthetic

added to achieve unconscious, analgesia, muscle relaxation, or autonomic nervous system control

Example: Opioids

Phases of General Anesthesia

Induction

Pre-induction

Maintenance

Emergence

pre-op meds

initiation of IV access

application of monitoring devices

initiation of meds that render pt. unconscious

airway secured

surgical procedure performed

surgical procedure completed

patient prepared to return to consciousness

removal of artificial airway

Lidocaine or EMLA cream

interrupts generation of nerve impulses by altering low of Na through cell membrane

loss of sedation to refine of the body

no loss of consciousness

blocks specific nerves with local anesthetic

spinal block

Epidural

have on hand

airway equipment

emergency drugs

cardiac monitor/defibrillator

injection into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

autonomic, sensory, and motor blockage

causes

vasodilation

hypotension

inability to move

cannot feel pain

injection of local anesthetic into epidural space

less autonomic blockage

both may be administered via indwelling catheter

monitor closely for S&S of ANS blockade

side effects

headache

back pain

isolated nerve injury

previously called "conscious sedation"

similar to general anesthesia

sedative s& opioids used at lower dosages

no inhalation agents

relieves anxiety

provides analgesia & amnesia

patient remains responsive

patient breathes without assistance

used in minor surgical procedures

moderate sedation

keep near by

crash cart

oxygen

suction