Anesthesiology Case Studies

An anesthesiologist meets with the patient prior to the procedure to evaluate the patient's condition and review their medical history. The anesthesiologist also explains the process so the patient knows what to expect. During the procedure, the anesthesiologist carefully monitors the patient's vital signs and comfort and makes the appropriate adjustments in anesthesia. Following the procedure, the

However, I was uncertain of which career path I wished to pursue. I was given the privilege to shadow various healthcare physicians around the area, which could help determine which field of medicine was for me. Of the specialties I had observed, I found that anesthesiology was the most intriguing and I was immediately attracted to it. In order to acquire more information about the speciality, I applied to volunteer at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in the anesthesia department. I began assisting the anesthesia technician with her daily responsibilities. She eventually introduced me to many anesthetists there. After shadowing many anesthetists, I quickly learned that much of the patient interaction was with the anesthesiologist assistant or the certified registered nurse anesthetist rather than the anesthesiologist. I was thrilled to see the anesthetist comfort the patient as well as his family before the surgery. I, then, realized that I did not want to become a physician but rather an anesthesiologist assistant because I wanted to provide that administrative and comforting experience for the patients and their loved

Anesthesiologists give patients anesthetics in a variety of ways, such as “orally, intravenously, by gas or direct injection to render patients insensible to pain Anesthesiologists typically maintain the same daily schedule a surgeon follows, participating in both scheduled and unscheduled operations. Anesthesiologists are responsible for determining the proper anesthetic and dosage level for each patient. They monitor the patients progress prior to, during, and after surgery.”(“Anesthesiologist” 31)

The role of the nurse anesthetist gradually developed as the demand increased for individuals who were highly and meticulously trained in anesthesia administration in an era where knowledge of germs, antisepsis and surgical interventions was emerging. During the 1800s, medical students were often responsible in the administration of anesthesia under the direct supervision of surgeons but the increased mortality rates in intraoperative patients suggested the need to reevaluate who would provide anesthesia. As a result of negative patient outcomes, surgeons turned to nurses, who served to be an adequate and reliable replacement. This trend proved to be catalytic in the movement of the nurse anesthetist.

While there was a policy in place for conscious sedation, even good policies rely on the vigilance of staff to adhere to them. Often times, working conditions allow for distractions, and even the best of practitioners, with the best of intentions, make errors. There were several areas presented in this scenario that require examination and improvement.

(History of Nurse Anesthesia Practice. 2010, May), (Koch, E., Downey, P., Kelly, J. W., & Wilson, W. 2001).

The journey to embrace the speciality of anesthesiology has been ecstatic and full of fond memories. It was not until the end of my internship that I finally developed a passion in anesthesiology and the field of critical care. I soon realized that with my zeal for clinical anatomy, command over concepts of physiology, dexterity in medical procedures and empathetic connection to my patients, this speciality would be an ideal match. In my opinion, anesthesiology demands a physicians ability to consolidate the core principles of clinical medicine with the knowledge of basic science principles delicately balanced with high standards of ethical code and conduct. I am confident that with my depth of knowledge, passion for clinical research as well

A study conducted from 1997 to 2006 shows an increase of Medicare patients receiving an epidural of one hundred and two percent per 100,000 people (Manchikanti). Epidurals allow the blockade of discomfort in a specific area with an injection of an anesthetic directly into the epidural space, located along the spinal column just below the spinal cord; however, the goal of this administration route is not to eliminate total lack of feeling but to provide the patient with relief from strain so they may continue their activities of daily living. Pain, the body’s number one defense mechanism, transmits signals through nerves to the final destination of the brain. By blocking irritated nerve signals with an epidural, the mind and body can relax. Narcotics, an alternative option for uneasiness, only last for a limited amount of time and require frequent administration, while epidurals possess a longer mechanism of action and only require a one-time injection. Therefore, it remains as the primary line of method of pain alleviation for labor. Epidurals provide effective pain relief for expectant mothers without causing harm to her or the newborn baby, which has, caused a dramatic increase in the popularity of epidurals over the past decade.

Anesthesia was developed in order to block or prevent pain during medical procedures. Anesthesia has been the backbone of the medical world for around 100 years now. Early anesthetics were primitive and many patients simply did not trust anesthetics. Anesthesia is still a risky process even in todays advanced medical world. Anesthesia is not used to treat or diagnose any specific disease; the sole purpose is to aid both the patient and surgeon through procedures. However, anesthesia is used in different ways based on the magnitude of the procedure. There are three levels of anesthesia which include; local, regional, and general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist determines which type of anesthesia will be needed.

Not everyone is cut out to work in the field of medicine, especially those who are faint-hearted. However, those who can deal with blood, sweat, and tears may be making a significant impact on many lives. Anesthesiologists are among some of the toughest spirits in the medical-surgical field, as they see some of the more gruesome sides of the practice. Along with helping save the lives of their patients, they also bring great relief to the families and friends of those they help. Dismally, anesthesiologists don’t always bear good news, so choosing this career may be a rough decision for one to make.

• Previous problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics.

Patients undergoing general anesthesia were typically given one or a combination of the following agents: propofol, nitrous oxide, desflurane, halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane. Once the patients were intubated, they were placed in the prone position on a standard operating frame. When the general anesthetic course was complete, the anesthetic agents were discontinued and 100% O2 was administered via endotracheal intubation or ventilation mask. Patients were then extubated when appropriate and transported to the PACU. Patients were monitored by the PACU nursing staff until they were deemed awake, alert, and responsive, and stable before transfer to the floor. IV analgesia was also administered patients during their PACU stay, and patients were given a patient-controlled analgesia

I was rolled into the operation room. The acidic taste in my mouth still lingered from the regional anesthesia medication. Surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and doctors stood there near the entrance, waiting for my arrival. Yet, their faces were unrecognizable due to the surgical masks that concealed their identity. I transferred onto the operation bed with a bright light shining directly on my face. My vision began to blur and I could feel my every heartbeat. Fear engulfed my mind knowing that this would be my first surgical operation. I was uncertain. Could this truly treat my physical disability? General anesthesia was injected into the veins of my arm, and before I knew it, I was unconscious.

1. Explain why there were objections to the use of anesthesia for childbirth in the early years of our profession. How have things changed over the years? Do you agree with the changes?

Sedation has become more common-place for pediatric patients undergoing minor procedures in the emergency department, and may be necessary for the safety of a combative or uncooperative patient, as well as the safety of the medical provider. Traditionally, medications are delivered orally, intravenously, or