16 - Responsibility to Anæsthetist

Abstract

This chapter explains different types of responsibilities of an anesthetist. A conference with the anesthetist preceding the operation will alert the nurse to the requirements of the patient, and she will be in a better position to assist the anesthetist in this vital role in surgery. Anesthetists usually have the special supplies they need in their machines, but they depend upon the nurse to see that the anesthesia stands are correctly supplied. Conductivity must be the rule at all times, even if the patient requires local anesthesia, or if a nonexplosive gas mixture is to be employed. There are several opinions as to whether the patient hears or remembers conversation during the stage of losing consciousness and during the unconscious stage. In any event, it is important that nurses and assistants be aware that the surgical patient experiences an emotional trauma whether he receives a general anesthetic or a local one.