ANESTHETIC MAINTENANCE
1)
GENERAL
a)
Disconnect the endotracheal tube before moving or turning patient
to minimize tracheal trauma
b)
All anesthetized patients will be kept on a warm water blanket
whenever possible.
i)
Utilize a warm air patient warmer like the Bair Hugger whenever
possible.
ii)
Microwaved water bottles or rice bags can cause serious burns.
Their use is not recommended.
iii)
Warm water can be of some use if the patient is wrapped in a light
towel and the bottles are changed frequently.
(1)
Cooled water bottles are a heat-sink that must be avoided.
(2)
Direct contact with very hot tap water can cause first degree
burns.
c)
All anesthetized patients will be monitored in the most complete
fashion available to the practice.
i)
The most important monitor is a properly trained health
professional dedicated to observing and managing the patient’s
anesthetic care.
ii)
Technology enhances the anesthetist’s ability to safely manage
their patient. Blood pressure, ECG, End-tidal CO2 and Pulse Oximeter
monitors are recommended for every patient.
(1)
See the monitoring section below entitled “Monitoring” for more
details on these monitors.
d)
The anesthetic record should be maintained as consistently as
possible during the event.
i)
All unusual developments should be noted on the record and all
important points transferred to the Master Problem List in the patients
medical record
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