a.
General Anesthetic.
(1)
Definition. Produces loss of consciousness and thus affects the total
person.
(2)
Routes of administration.
(a)
Inhalation.
(b)
Intravenous injection.
(c)
Rectal (not used very much in today's practice).
(3)
Characteristics of the ideal general anesthetic.
(a)
Produces analgesia.
(b)
Produces complete loss of consciousness.
(c)
Provides a degree of muscle relaxation.
(d)
Obtunds reflexes.
(e)
Is safe and has minimal side effects.
NOTE: No single anesthetic meets all these criteria. A combination of several agents
is usually used to obtain the optimal effects of each and decrease likelihood of toxicity.
(4)
Uses of general anesthesia.
(a)
Major head and neck surgery.
(b)
Intracranial surgery.
(c)
Thoracic surgery.
(d)
Upper abdominal surgery.
(e)
Upper and lower extremity surgery.
b.
Regional or Block Anesthetic.
(1)
Definition. Anesthetizes large regions of the body.
MD0915
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