Care before and after anesthesia

Abstract

The role of the nurse in preparing the patient for out-patient anesthesia is vitally important. In fact a strong case could be made out to demonstrate that her role is at least as important as that of her medical colleagues. She has earlier, more prolonged and constant contact with the patient, and it is at this stage that the patient’s confidence in his many attendants can be established — or irrevocably shattered. The nurse who attends the patient from the time of his arrival at the hospital, whether as an emergency admission or by prior arrangement, has a strong influence on the patient’s psychological attitude and responses. She has the opportunity to engender an air of quiet calm and confidence, which is more reliable than the effect of any anxiolytic drug, but this can be dispelled by careless talk in the patient’s hearing. She must not be overheard discussing his condition. She may, of course, in response to the patient’s questioning, discuss aspects of his condition or management which come within her ambit and knowledge. Similarly, the patient should not be able to overhear anyone discussing the clinical findings or the treatment of any other patient for two very sound reasons. First of all there is the question of confidentiality which prevents clinical or other details being conveyed, even accidentally, to another person.