Preanesthetic

Preanesthetic

Preanesthetic refers to the phase of medical preparation and evaluation that occurs before the administration of anesthesia for surgical or diagnostic procedures. This phase is critical for ensuring patient safety and optimizing the conditions for anesthesia and surgery.

Overview

Preanesthetic evaluation involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The goal is to identify any potential risks or complications that could arise during anesthesia and to plan accordingly.

Components of Preanesthetic Evaluation

Medical History

A thorough medical history is essential. This includes:

• Previous Anesthetic Experiences: Any past complications or reactions to anesthesia.
• Current Medications: Including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• Allergies: Especially to medications or latex.
• Chronic Conditions: Such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma.

Physical Examination

The physical examination focuses on:

• Airway Assessment: To predict potential difficulties with intubation.
• Cardiovascular System: Checking for heart murmurs or irregular rhythms.
• Respiratory System: Evaluating lung function and any signs of respiratory distress.

Laboratory Tests

Common tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for anemia or infection.
• Electrolytes: To ensure balance and detect any abnormalities.
• Coagulation Profile: To assess bleeding risk.

Risk Assessment

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System is often used to assess the risk associated with anesthesia. Patients are classified from ASA I (healthy) to ASA VI (brain-dead, organ donor).

Preanesthetic Medications

Preanesthetic medications may be administered to:

• Reduce Anxiety: Benzodiazepines like midazolam.
• Prevent Nausea: Antiemetics such as ondansetron.
• Reduce Secretions: Anticholinergics like atropine.

Patient Education

Patients are informed about:

• Fasting Guidelines: To reduce the risk of aspiration.
• Procedure Details: What to expect before, during, and after anesthesia.
• Consent: Obtaining informed consent is crucial.

Also see

• Anesthesia
• Surgical Procedure
• Patient Safety
• Informed Consent