Before Anesthesia
After Anesthesia
Don'ts After Anesthesia
Do's After Anesthesia
When preparing to
undergo an operation, many people spend a great deal of time learning and
thinking about the surgical procedure, but pay scant attention to the equally
important aspect of their anesthesia care. The American Association of Nurse
Anesthetists strongly encourages all surgical patients to learn as much as
they can about their anesthesia options. To that end, communication and cooperation between you and your anesthesia provider are essential to the anesthesia process and its safety.
Before surgery, a preoperative interview with your nurse anesthetist provides valuable information that helps determine your care. It is equally important to communicate with your anesthesia provider after your surgery. The medications you have been given can remain in your body for 24 hours or more after they have been administered, and you won't be "back to your old self" until the anesthetic has been totally
eliminated.
Of course, you should never hesitate to ask you nurse anesthetist any questions you might have -- before or after your anesthesia is administered.
Before
Anesthesia
Anesthesia is a major part of your surgery.
During the procedure, anesthesia allows you to be free of pain. All anesthesia care is provided with the highest degree of professionalism, including constant monitoring of every important body function. As changes occur in your reactions to anesthesia, the nurse anesthetist responds with modifications of the anesthetic to ensure your safety and comfort.
In addition to their role in the procedure itself, nurse anesthetists make many preparations for you before surgery. You can -- and should -- take an active role in these preparations by communicating and cooperating with your nurse anesthetist and your surgeon.
There are several kinds of anesthesia.
The one chosen for you is based on factors such as your physical condition, the nature of the surgery, and your reactions to medications. Frank and open discussion with your nurse anesthetist is key in the selection of the best anesthetic for you.
In particular, you must speak freely and follow instructions closely regarding your intake of medications, food, or beverages before anesthesia. Such substances can react negatively with anesthetic drugs and chemicals.
The preoperative interview is essential to effective communication.
This confidential discussion with the nurse anesthetist prior to surgery provides information vital to your care. To help you prepare for the interview, we have included a
questionnaire for you to fill
out and bring along to the preoperative interview. Information supplied by the questionnaire assists your nurse anesthetist in doing the interview thoroughly and efficiently.
Different types of patients or procedures may require different types of anesthesia.
Pregnancy
and anesthesia
Pregnant patients should prepare before the onset of labor for the possibility of having an anesthetic, even if a natural childbirth is planned. During pregnancy, keep accurate records of allergies, high blood pressure, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications. The use of drugs, including recreational drugs and alcohol, can increase the risk of anesthetic complications for both mother and baby.
Seniors
and anesthesia
Older adults go through complex physical changes while aging which may affect their bodies' response to anesthesia. You or your family can assist the nurse anesthetist by providing a detailed list of all medications, including aspirin, taken regularly.
Surgery
preparation
Patients with hereditary disorders such as diabetes and sickle cell anemia need special attention. These conditions can be managed properly if the nurse anesthetist knows about them before a procedure. Children should be specially prepared for anesthesia, and for surgery in general. Allow them to bring
favorite toys along for their stay. Make frequent reference to things children will enjoy after the procedure. If possible, take children on a hospital tour and let them talk with hospital personnel, particularly the nurse anesthetist.
Preoperative
interview for ambulatory care
Ambulatory care allows you to go home the same day as your surgery. It is important, however, to provide the same accurate information during the preoperative interview. In addition, preparations should be made before ambulatory surgery for another adult to accompany you to the healthcare facility, drive you home, and monitor your recovery.
Remember:
Communication and cooperation are essential to the anesthesia process.
After
Anesthesia
Anesthesia means freedom from pain during surgery. All anesthesia care is provided with the highest degree of professionalism. Sensitive and sophisticated equipment monitors every important function of your body. In response to your body's reactions, the nurse anesthetist modifies your anesthetic as needed.
But anesthesia care is not confined just to surgery. The process also refers to activities that take place -- before and after -- an anesthetic is given. Before anesthesia, a preoperative interview with your nurse anesthetist supplies valuable information that helps determine your care. Open communication and cooperation are essential during the interview.
Communication and cooperation are necessary after surgery as well. The medications that you have been given can remain in your body for up to 24 hours after their administration. You are not completely "back to your old self" until the anesthetic has been totally eliminated.
Also during this time, it is still possible for substances entering your body to interact with the anesthetic. Certain substances may cause negative reactions. Therefore, check with your care provider about what medications you can take. Continue to cooperate with your nurse anesthetist and physician after surgery. Don't hesitate to ask questions.
"Don'ts" After Anesthesia
After receiving anesthesia during a surgical procedure, you can play an active role in your recovery by heeding the straightforward list of do's and don'ts that follows.
Don't drive a car for at least 24 hours.
After anesthesia, your reactions and judgment may be impaired. Such impairment makes driving a car dangerous to you and to others. It is especially important that you don't forget to make arrangements for someone else to drive you home from the health care facility.
Don't operate complex equipment for at least 24
hours. The same logic that applies to driving a car similarly applies to the operation of other equipment. This includes equipment used at home, such as a lawnmower, as well as that which is used on the job, such as a forklift.
Don't make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for the day. The potential for impairment relates not only to physical activities but to your mental state also. Moreover, the anxiety that frequently accompanies important decisions is to be avoided. The day should be spent resting.
Don't take any medications unless prescribed by or discussed with your physician. Some medications may adversely interact with anesthetic drugs or chemicals remaining in your body. Included are prescription drugs, such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers, and over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin.
Don't drink alcohol for at least 24
hours. Alcohol is also considered a drug, meaning that an alcoholic drink has the potential to negatively react with the anesthetic in your system. This includes hard liquor, beer, and wine.
"Do's" After Anesthesia
Do leave the healthcare facility accompanied by a responsible adult. This person will ensure that you travel home safely, as well as provide immediate care at home. You should continue to have this adult with you for 24 hours after surgery.
Do remain quietly at home for the day and rest. You need rest both because you have received anesthesia and because you have undergone a surgical procedure -- even one that is considered minor. If, after a day, you still do not feel recovered, you may want to continue your rest for an additional day or two. Discuss your planned return to work with your physician.
Do arrange for someone to care for your small children for the day. Even if given instructions to play peacefully and not overtax you, children sometimes forget such directions or have trouble staying quiet for
an entire day. The most predictable course of action is to leave small children and babies in the care of another responsible individual.
Do take liquids first and slowly progress to a light meal. Heavy foods can be difficult for your system to digest, thereby increasing the chance for discomfort. For your nourishment, start by taking liquids, then eat light foods, such as broth or soup, crackers or toast, plain rice, Jell-O, and yogurt.
Do call your nurse anesthetist, your physician, or the facility where you were treated if you have any questions. These professionals are interested in your welfare and want your care to go as planned. If you have questions, or feel your recovery is not progressing to your satisfaction, call them.
Remember: Communication and cooperation are essential to the anesthesia process. Active participation in your care helps ensure your safety and comfort.
"Do's and Don'ts" After Anesthesia: A Quick Guide
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Don't drive a care for at least 24 hours.
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Don't operate complex equipment for at least 24 hours.
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Don't make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for the day.
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Don't take any medications unless prescribed by or discussed with your physician.
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Don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
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Do leave the healthcare facility accompanied by a responsible adult.
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Do remain quietly at home for the day and rest.
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Do arrange for someone to care of your small children for the day.
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Do take liquids first and slowly progress to a light meal.
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Do call your nurse anesthetist, your physician, or the facility where you were treated if you have any questions.
CRNAs: A Tradition of Quality Care
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are anesthesia specialists who administer
approximately 65 percent of the 26 million anesthetics given to patients in the United States each year. Nurse anesthetists represent a long-standing commitment to high standards in a demanding field.
The nurse anesthesia educational requirements include graduation from a
Master's Degree program and at least one year of acute care experience. Moreover, mandatory continuing education is required for recertification every two years.
Nurse anesthetists provide high quality anesthesia services combined with personal concern for the health and welfare of
their patients. They are happy to assist you and offer information about what to expect with your anesthesia.
