Anesthesia state of narcosis, analgesia, relaxation, and loss of reflex.

Effects of Anesthesia:
a. To produce muscle relaxation
b. Analgesia
c. Loss of Memory
d. Artificial Sleep (unconsciousness)
e. Relieves fear and anxiety
Types of Anesthesia
GENERAL ANESTHESIA
Drug-induced depression of the central nervous system that produces analgesia, amnesia and
unconsciousness which affects the whole body.
Stages:
1. Beginning
- Warmth, dizziness
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Sense an inability to move the extremities easily
2. Excitement
- Dilated pupils and reacts to light
3. Surgical
- Unconscious
4. Medullary Depression
- Shallow respiration
- Pupils widely dilated and doesnt react to light
a. Inhalation (halothane; isoflurane)
b. IV (alfentanid; morphine sulfate)

REGIONAL ANESTHESIA
An anesthetic drug is injected near a cluster of nerves, numbing a larger area of the body (such
as below waist, like epidurals given to women in labor)
a. Epidural
- injection of local anesthetic into the spinal canal in the space surrounding the dura mater
b. Spinal
- produces a nerve block in the subarachnoid space
c. Field Block
- areas proximal to the incision site is injected and infiltrated a barrier (WALL IN)
d. Peripheral Nerve Block
- anesthetizes individual nerves or nerve plexuses
Ex. Procaine, lidocaine
LOCAL ANESTHESIA
An anesthetic drug numbs only a small, specific area of the body (skin, tissues)
Ex. Procaine, lidocaine
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
Objectives of Postop Care
- Re-establishment of physiologic equilibrium
- Prevention of pain and complication
Goal of Care for Post-operative Patients
1. Promotion of respiratory function
2. Promote cardio-vascular function and tissue perfusion
3. Promotion of fluid and electrolyte balance
4. Promotion of nutrition and elimination
5. Promotion of renal function
6. Promotion of comfort, rest and freedom from pain
7. Promotion of wound healing
8. Promotion of early movement and ambulation
9. Prevention of post-operative complications
POST OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS
- Respiratory - Wound
Atelectasis Wound infection
Pneumonia Wound dehiscence
Wound evisceration
- Cardiovascular - Integumentary
Hemorrhage-shock Bed sore
DVT - Psychologic
- Musculoskeletal System Depression
Muscle atrophy Postop Discharge Teaching
Contractures Assess readiness for HT
- Nervous System Assess the need for home care
Coma Wound care
Paralysis Follow up (sutures are removed 7-14
- GIT days
Nausea and vomiting Resume normal activities gradually
Constipation Avoid lifting for 6 weeks (>10 lbs.)
- GUT Can return to work after 6-8 weeks
Urinary retention Teach the s/sx complication
UTI