Week 1 - preop eval Flashcards
(38 cards)
What is the primary objective of a preanesthetic evaluation?
To conduct a comprehensive preanesthetic evaluation
This includes assessing the patient’s medical history, surgical history, and current health status.
List key components of a preoperative anesthesia assessment.
- Medical history
- Surgical history
- Medication & allergy review
- Physical examination
- Airway assessment
- Laboratory & diagnostic review
These components are essential for formulating an individualized anesthetic plan.
What are the goals of a preoperative evaluation?
- Reduce patient risk & morbidity associated with surgery & anesthesia
- Prepare the patient medically & psychologically
- Promote efficiency & reduce cost
These goals benefit patients, anesthesia providers, surgeons, and hospitals.
True or False: The timing of patient assessment influences the outcome of anesthesia.
True
A thorough evaluation allows for optimization of the patient before surgery.
What does PST stand for in the context of preoperative assessments?
Preoperative Screening Tool
Some facilities utilize PSTs to enhance preoperative evaluations.
What is the significance of the Mallampati classification?
It assesses tongue size relative to the oral cavity to predict difficult intubation
It is categorized into four classes based on visibility of oral structures.
Fill in the blank: Patients with complex medical conditions should be evaluated at least ______ before the scheduled procedure.
1 week
This allows adequate time for risk assessment and necessary consultations.
What factors determine the clinical urgency of a proposed surgical operation?
- Nature of the illness or injury
- Available time
- Depth of the preoperative evaluation
True emergencies require abbreviated evaluations and are associated with higher risks.
What is the STOP BANG questionnaire used for?
To evaluate the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
It includes questions about snoring, breathing pauses, and daytime fatigue.
What are common physical characteristics associated with an increased risk of OSA?
- Obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²)
- Increased neck circumference
- Severe tonsillar hypertrophy
- Nasal obstruction
- Anatomic abnormalities of the upper airway
These factors contribute to the likelihood of sleep apnea.
What should be included in the history of medications for preoperative evaluation?
A complete list of medications, including OTC & herbal products
This is crucial for identifying potential drug interactions and allergies.
What is a critical reason for assessing the cervical spine in patients?
To evaluate potential airway difficulties, especially in patients with limited neck mobility
This assessment is crucial for intubation success.
How does smoking cessation impact surgical outcomes?
Reduces risk for pulmonary & cardiac complications, improves wound healing
Even short-term cessation has been shown to improve blood flow and recovery.
What are the long-term benefits of quitting smoking?
- Addition of 6 to 8 years to life
- Reduction in risk of lung cancer and heart disease
- Savings of at least $1400 per year
These benefits also include reduced exposure to secondhand smoke for family members.
What is the importance of assessing a patient’s response to previous anesthetics?
It helps detect the presence of a difficult airway
Previous reactions can indicate higher risks for complications.
What should be done if a patient exhibits positive signs for OSA?
Refer for a sleep study or manage as if the patient has OSA
The risk of perioperative complications increases with the severity of sleep apnea.
What is the estimated energy requirement for daily self-care activities?
1 MET
This includes basic activities like eating, dressing, or using the toilet.
What is the MET value defined as?
The amount of oxygen consumed while sitting at rest, equal to 3-5 mL oxygen/kg/min
What types of activities are included in moderate recreational activities?
- Golf
- Bowling
- Dancing
- Doubles tennis
- Throwing a baseball or football
What types of sports are classified as strenuous?
- Swimming
- Singles tennis
- Football
- Basketball
- Skiing
What is the ASA PS classification for a normal healthy patient?
ASA PS class 1
What characterizes ASA PS class 2?
Mild-to-moderate systemic disease that is well controlled and causes no organ dysfunction or functional limitation
What is the definition of ASA PS class 3?
Severe systemic disease of at least one organ system that does cause functional limitation
What does ASA PS class 4 indicate?
Severe systemic end-stage disease of at least one organ system that is life threatening with or without surgery
