TYPES
Method of administration:
GENERAL ANESTHESIA
A state of analgesia and
complete loss of consciousness 2. Inhalation - includes
as a direct result of anesthesia
agents.
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA
The temporary interruption of
the transmission of nerve
impulses to and from a specific
area or region of the body
RISKS / COMPLICATIONS EXAMPLE OF AGENTS NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Temporary confusion and Intravenous – halothanes 1. A method of oxygen administration
1. Intravenous - induction memory loss, although this (Isoflurane, Sevoflurane) should always be available.
agent before the client is is more common in elderly 2. Monitor the vital signs to determine
induced with inhalation b. Hypoventilation Inhalation – Propofol, any deviations or complications.
agents c. Difficulty passing urine Demerol 3. Observe for possible respiratory
d. Nausea and vomiting depression
volatile liquid agents and e. Malignant hyperthermia 4. Make sure to attach ground pad to
gases. Volatile liquid f. Overdose may lead to CND decrease risk for fires
anesthetics produce depression
anesthesia when their
vapors are inhaled.
Techniques: a. Nerve damage Lidocaine 1. Monitor the vital signs to determine
1. Field Block – injection of b. Allergic reaction Bupivacaine any deviations or complications.
local anesthetic as close c. Bleeding (spinal column) Codaine 2. Observe for possible respiratory
to the nerve as possible d. Spinal infection Tetracaine depression
2. Nerve Block - local e. Severe headache Prilocaine 3. Maintain patient flat on bed for 6-8
anesthetic is injected near f. Hypotension hours
a specific nerve or bundle
of nerves to block
sensations of pain from
the area of the body
supplied by the nerve
3. Topical - applied directly
to the skin and mucous
membranes, open skin
surfaces, wounds, and
burns.
4. Local – injected into a
specific area and is used
for minor surgical
procedures such as
suturing a small wound or
performing a biopsy.
 SPINAL ANESTHESIA Divisions: a. Allergic reaction Lidocaine 1. Continuous cardiac and oxygen
1. Subarachnoid b. Bleeding (spinal column) Bupivacaine saturation monitoring
An extensive conduction nerve 2. Intradural c. Spinal infection Tetracaine 2. Monitor motor function and
block that is produced when a 3. Intrathecal d. Hypotension Prilocaine sensation return
local anesthetic agent is e. Urine retention Benzocaine 3. Maintain patient flat on bed for 6-8
introduced into the f. Back pain Rupivacaine hours
subarachnoid space at the g. Bradycardia Lignocaine
lumbar level, usually between h. Postural Puncture
L4 and L5. It produces Headache
anesthesia of the lower
extremities, perineum, and
lower abdomen
a. Hypotension Lidocaine 1. Continuous cardiac and oxygen
EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA b. Urine retention Bupivacaine saturation monitoring
c. Back pain Tetracaine 2. Monitor motor function and
Injection of a local anesthetic d. Bradycardia Prilocaine sensation return
into the epidural (extradural) e. Postural Puncture Benzocaine 3. Maintain patient flat on bed for 6-8
space via either a thoracic or Headache hours
lumbar approach. Commonly
used for obstetrics, vascular
procedures involving the lower
extremities, and hip and knee
replacement surgeries
a. Dizziness Lidocaine 1. Assess for drug allergies, hepatic
LOCAL ANESTHESIA b. Headaches Bupivacaine and renal impairment
c. Blurred vision Tetracaine 2. Monitor vital signs continuously
Numbs a small part of the d. Twitching muscles Prilocaine
body for minor procedures. e. Continuing numbness Rupivacaine
For example, you may get a f. Weakness (pins and Mepivacaine
shot of medicine directly into needles) Etidocaine
the surgical area to block pain.
You may stay awake during
the procedure.

References:
WebMD (n.d.) Anesthesia – Topic Overview. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/tc/anesthesia-topic-overview#1

Co, K. (2014). Types and Stages of Anesthesia. Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/206432530/Types-and-Stages-of-Anesthesia