Anesthetic
From labor and delivery to different surgical procedures, anesthetics are commonly used. There are many different forms, and depending on the circumstance, the doctor will determine which one is appropriate. Anesthetics are handled by an anesthesiologist to reduce or prevent pain in the body. There are four different types commonly used in patients. These four include a local (numbs a small area of the body and the patient is usually awake) IV sedation, (a sedative that relaxes the patient to relieve pain; patient most likely does not remember the procedure afterwards) regional (blocks pain in a specific area of the body) and general (a patient is put to sleep and feels nothing during the entire procedure).
Anesthesia can be administered through vapors or injections (depending on the circumstance and the type of anesthesia used). The anesthetic is inhaled or injected into the central nervous system. This, in turn, blocks the nerve impulses that cause a person pain. It is fortunate that through today's technological and medical advances, healthcare professionals who are experts in this type of medical can monitor the patients condition while under the anesthesia. An anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist or a resident physician can administer the medicine to a patient. The nurse and resident physician usually work along side the anesthesiologist, but the anesthesiologist is the one who usually monitors the medication during surgical procedures. The team is responsible for all of the medical aspects of the effects the anasthesia may have on the patient, where as the nurse and resident are only able to assist in the delivery of the anesthesia. They provide care to the patient after surgery is complete and the anesthesia has worn off. They are also responsible from discharging the patient from the recovery unit.
With all the advances in medicine, the risk in using anasthesia is reduced. However, in some cases, risks include chills, shakiness, nausea or vomiting, and sore throat. Other risks that occur less frequently are altered heart rhythms, breathing problems and allergic reactions. In order to make sure that none of these complications occur, it is important to give the anesthesiologist and doctor information such as current and past health histories, any medications being taken, any previous reaction to anesthesia by family members, any allergies, and whether or not alcohol and drugs are consumed. The most important aspect of the patient-doctor consultation before the medication is administered is that the patient be open and honest, answering all questions to the best of his/her ability. This will diminish the possibility of adverse reactions
