Principles of Anaesthesia

The controlled, reversible state of altered consciousness during which a patient is rendered pain-free, immobile, and without recall of the procedure. It involves a combination of several components, including analgesia, amnesia, akinesia, areflexia, anxiolysis, and hypnosis.

The lack of pain sensation.

The inability to recall events during anesthesia.

The absence of movement, often achieved through muscle relaxants.

The loss of muscle reflexes, making surgery easier and safer.

Eliminates anxiety and promotes a sense of calm during anesthesia.

State of altered consciousness characterized by a detached awareness of the surroundings.

A type of anesthesia that affects the entire body, inducing a loss of consciousness, and is typically used for major procedures.

A type of anesthesia that numbs a specific region of the body without affecting consciousness, often used for procedures like childbirth or surgeries on limbs.

A type of anesthesia that numbs a very localized area, typically used for minor procedures like dental work or stitching up wounds.

A combination of general and regional anesthesia, leveraging the strengths of both types.

A stage of anesthesia characterized by analgesia without amnesia, where the patient remains conscious but feels a reduction in pain.

A stage of anesthesia characterized by excitement, delirium, uncontrolled movements, and increased risk of laryngospasm. This is the most dangerous stage and should be transitioned through quickly.

The targeted stage of general anesthesia, characterized by surgical immobility, relaxed muscles, and unconsciousness.

A stage of anesthetic overdose characterized by respiratory cessation, fixed and dilated pupils, and low blood pressure. This is a life-threatening stage and requires immediate intervention.

The initial phase of general anesthesia where the patient is transitioned into unconsciousness.

The period of time during surgery where the patient is maintained in a deep state of anesthesia, ensuring they remain unconscious and pain-free.

The phase of general anesthesia where the effects of anesthetic drugs are gradually reversed, allowing the patient to regain consciousness.

The process of regaining full consciousness, regaining mobility, and recovering physiological functions after surgery.

The administration of 100% oxygen to a patient prior to intubation, aiming to saturate the lungs with oxygen and reduce the risk of desaturation.

A rapid sequence of events for inducing anesthesia and intubating patients at high risk of aspiration, designed to minimize the time between loss of consciousness and securing the airway.

The act of inserting an endotracheal tube into the trachea to secure the airway and allow for mechanical ventilation.

A maneuver used during RSI to compress the esophagus and prevent the regurgitation of stomach contents into the lungs.

A technique used during RSI to quickly paralyze muscles to facilitate intubation, typically using a fast-acting muscle relaxant.

The administration of anesthetic agents through an intravenous line.

A technique for administering anesthesia using inhalational gases delivered through a mask or endotracheal tube.

A set of specific considerations and adjustments that need to be made when administering anesthesia to children, accounting for factors such as smaller physiological reserves, higher vagal tone, and frequent upper respiratory infections.

A method of administering anesthetic agents through inhalation or IV, but specifically for maintaining the patient in a stable anesthetic state during surgery.

The essential checklist of requirements and procedures that must be completed prior to any surgery to ensure safety, patient identification, and correct surgery.

A controlled environment with specific procedures and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, designed for the safe delivery of anesthesia and surgical procedures.

The initial assessment and management of a patient before surgery, crucial for evaluating their overall health, suitability for the procedure, and to identify any potential risks.

The management of a patient's care and well-being during the surgery.

The period of time immediately following surgery where the patient is monitored for vital signs and recovery, often in a specialized unit.