Anesthesia terms

analgesia

the absence of pain, produced by specific drugs

anesthesia

the absence of sensory awareness or medically induced unconsciousness

anxiolytic

a drug that reduces memory

apnea

absence of breathing

aspiration

inhalation of fluid or solid matter into the lungs

bier block

regional anesthesia in which the anesthetic agent is injected into a vein

bispectral index system

a method of monitoring the patients level of hypnosis during surgery to prevent intraoperative awareness

bronchospasm

partial or complete closure of the bronchial tubes resulting from spasm

central nervous system depression

a decrease in sensory awareness caused by drugs or a pathological condition

coma

the deepest state of unconsciousness, in which most brain activity ceases

certified registered nurse anesthesist

an advance trained and certified nurse licensed to provide anesthesia

AMA

self discharge against medical advice

emergence

the stage in general anesthesia at which the anesthetic agent is withdrawn and the patient regains consciousness

endotracheal tube

an artificial airway that is inserted into the patients trachea to maintain patency

esmarch bandage

a rolled bandage made of rubber or latex that is used to exsanguinate blood from a limb

extubation

withdrawal of an artificial airway

gas scavenging

the capture and safe removal of leaked anesthetic gases from the anesthesia machine

general anesthesia

anesthesia associated with a state of unconsciousness. not a fixed state, but rather ranges along a continuum from semi-responsive to profound unresponsive

glasgow coma scale

a standardized method of measuring a patients level of consciousness

handover(hand-off)

a verbal or written report from one nurse to another to provide updated patient information

hypothermia

subnormal body temperature

induction

initiation of general anesthesia with a drug that causes unconsciousness

intraoperative awareness

a rare condition in which a patient undergoing general anesthesia is able to feel pain and other noxious stimuli but unable to react

intravascular volume

fluid volume within the blood vessels

intubation

the process of inserting an invasive artificial airway

laryngeal mask airway

an airway consisting of a tube and small mask that is fitted internally over the patients larynx

laryngoscope

a lighted instrument used to assist endotracheal intubation

laryngospasm

muscular spasm of the larnyx, which may result in obstruction

malignant hyperthermia

a rare state of hypermetabolism that occurs in association with inhalation anesthetics and neuromuscular blocking agents.

moderate sedation

sedation during a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure that goes no deeper than the moderate stage or lighter. under moderate sedation the patient must be able to control his or her own airway

monitored anesthesia care (MAC)

sedation at a level appropriate for managing a patients needs and includes close physiological monitoring. The anesthestist/anesthesiologist must be able to convert to general anesthesia as needed.

nasopharyngeal airway

artificial airway between the nostril and the nasopharynx, used in semiconscious patients or when an oral airway cannot be used

neuromuscular blocking agent

a drug that blocks nerve conduction in striated muscle tissue

oropharyngeal airway

artificial airway that is inserted over the tongue into the larynx, used in patients whom endotracheal intubation is difficult or contraindicated

perfusion

circulation of blood to specific tissue, organ, system, or the whole body. perfusion is necessary to maintain life in the cells

physiological monitoring

assessment of the patients vital metabolic funtions

pneumatic tourniquet

an air filled tourniquet used to prevent blood flow to an extremity during surgery

regional block

anesthesia in a specific area of the body, achieved by injection of an anesthetic around a major nerve or group of nerves

sedation

a state of consciousness in which an individual is only partially aware of sensory stimuli. depression of the CNS.