Marsha Stevenson 
An anesthesiologist is a physician who specializes in administering anesthesia, the relief of discomfort associated with surgery.
They also monitor patients’ level of sedation throughout the course of their procedure.
What is anesthesiology?
Anesthesiology is the medical specialty that deals with gas, drug, and other agent administration for pain relief during surgery or other procedures. It is a critical part of the surgical team and involves the assessment of patients before, during, and after anesthesia.
What are the anesthesiologist’s responsibilities?
The anesthesiologist is responsible for the maintenance and/or alteration of respiration, circulation, and metabolism during surgery with balanced anesthesia. The anesthesiologist also assists in the diagnosis and treatment of pain.
Why do anesthesiologist ask about teeth?
Dental work can cause problems during surgery if a foreign body such as a tooth is left in the surgical area. Even a small piece of dental work can lead to infection and other complications.
The anesthesiologist needs to know about any dental work that has been done so that he or she can take the necessary precautions during surgery.
Why does anesthesiologist ask about food intake?
If surgery is scheduled for 6:00AM, the patient should not eat anything after midnight. If it is technically impossible to avoid eating or drinking in this time frame, then at least clear liquids (e.g., apple juice) are acceptable until 12 hours before surgery.
Food intake can also interfere with anesthesia. For example, eating a large meal before surgery can cause the stomach to produce more acid, which could lead to complications.
The anesthesiologist needs to know about any food or drink that the patient has consumed in order to plan for the safest and most effective anesthesia.
Why does anesthesiologist ask about current medications?
Some medications can interfere with anesthesia. The anesthesiologist needs to know about all current medications in order to assess the risk of anesthesia and plan the safest and most effective anesthetic.
What are some common side effects of anesthesia?
The most common side effects of anesthesia are drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. There are many potential side effects of anesthesia depending on the type of surgery performed and an individual’s medical history.
What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation is a combination of drugs that leaves the patient awake but relaxed, pain-free, and comfortably numb. Conscious sedation can be used for a variety of procedures, including minor surgery, endoscopy, and colonoscopy.
What is general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a combination of drugs that causes the patient to be unconscious and unable to feel pain. General anesthesia can be used for a variety of procedures, including major surgery, childbirth, and significant dental work.
What is local anesthesia?
Local anesthesia numbs a small area of the body, such as a tooth or finger, and usually does not take effect until 30 minutes after injection. Local anesthesia can be used for everything from having blood drawn to treating nerve pain and getting tattoos and piercings. It also wears off quickly, so patients are usually awake and alert within minutes after the anesthetic wears off.
What is regional anesthesia?
Regional anesthesia numbs a larger area of the body, such as an arm or leg. It can be used for a wide variety of procedures, including childbirth, surgery, and blocking pain from injuries. Several different types of regional anesthesia exist, including spinal and epidural anesthesia.
Is it safe to have surgery while pregnant?
Each case is different and should be discussed with a physician before a decision can be made on the safest anesthetic options for the patient. In general, the risks associated with being pregnant should be discussed with an anesthesiologist or other healthcare provider who can help tailor the anesthesia to each patient’s individual situation.
Conclusion
Anesthesiologists are responsible for ensuring that patients are safe and comfortable during surgery. They ask about a variety of factors, including teeth, food intake, current medications, and medical history, in order to plan the safest and most effective anesthesia.
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