Course Description:

Any time someone goes under anesthesia, there are risks associated with the procedure. These risks are clear and easily explained by those who are informed. Every nurse should be able to explain to their patients the risks involved with anesthesia, and also allay fears concerning both waking up during the procedure, and never waking again. This course aims to detail the issues of anesthesia and how to help patients understand the risks involved. As well as helping nurses understand the side-effects to be expected with anesthesia, and warning signs of a possible problem.

After reading Risks of Anesthesia the participant will be able to:

1. Identify three general factors that may increase a patient’s risk for anesthetic complications.
2. List three pre-existing disease states that may increase a patient’s risk for anesthetic complications.
3. Describe the American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status classification.
4. State the current estimated mortality rate associated with anesthesia.
5. List three types of physical injury that may result from anesthetic procedures.
6. Define “intraoperative awareness” and state the current estimated statistics for occurrence according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
7. Describe current research findings related to the use of brain wave monitors.
8. Identify two potential sources of anaphylaxis related to anesthesia.
9. List three residual effects of anesthesia that the nurse might observe in a postoperative patient.
10. Define the role of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist related to the anesthesiologist.

Course Options:

You can read this course for free. Pay for the course only if you want to grade the exam for continuing education credit (Contact Hours) towards your license.

After completing this course you can print your certificate immediately online. Click the logo below to enter the course.