Exam 1: 15 Jan History&Evolution of Anesthesia Flashcards
(76 cards)
What is the definition of anesthesia?
A lack of feeling or sensation.
What is the primary goal of anesthesia for nurse anesthetists?
The primary goal of anesthesia for nurse anesthetists is to prevent negative outcomes in the performance of surgery or favorable procedures.
This involves ensuring that the patient does not feel pain and remains unconscious or insensible to pain stimuli during the procedure.
What is general anesthesia?
A drug-induced loss of consciousness where patients are not arousable with painful stimuli.
What is regional anesthesia?
Insensibility of pain stimuli in a particular region, such as spinal or epidural anesthetics.
What happens to the level of consciousness during regional anesthesia?
It remains unchanged unless sedation is delivered.
What is sedation and how is it categorized?
Sedation is a spectrum ranging from minimal sedation to deep sedation.
It has different effects on consciousness and respiratory functions
What are the three categories of sedation?
- Minimal sedation
- Moderate sedation
- Deep sedation
What does minimal sedation entail?
A slight decrease in anxiety without affecting responsiveness.
What characterizes moderate sedation?
Responsive to verbal commands and touch, with adequate spontaneous ventilation.
What is deep sedation?
Patients respond to painful stimulation but may need assistance maintaining their airway.
When was the documented use of anesthetics first noted?
As far back as 4000 BC.
What plants were historically used as anesthetics?
- Poppy
- Coca leaves
- Cannabis
Who is considered a key figure in the early development of anesthesia?
Hippocrates.
What was Hippocrates’ perspective on anesthesia?
He focused on the surgeon’s needs rather than the patient’s comfort.
What significant contribution did Dioscorides make to anesthesia?
He categorized plants with medical properties, including the use of mandrake.
What was the first true inhalation anesthetic developed?
Diethyl ether.
Who discovered nitrous oxide?
Joseph Priestley.
What challenges were associated with using ether?
- Flammability
- Prolonged emergence
- Vomiting
Who popularized the use of chloroform in obstetrics?
Sir James Simpson and Dr. John Snow.
What modern anesthetics were introduced in contemporary practice?
- Propane
- Halothane
- Isoflurane
- Sevoflurane
What is balanced anesthesia?
The targeting of amnesia, analgesia, and muscle relaxation.
What are the stages of anesthesia?
- Induction
- Maintenance
- Emergence
- Recovery
Why is it important to understand the patient’s stage of anesthesia?
For safe and effective care.
What is the significance of maintaining homeostasis in modern anesthesia?
To ensure cardiovascular and GI motility.