Assisting with Induction of General Anesthesia
Report to OR prior to patient arriving in OR
Make sure anesthesia work area is prepared
Once patient has transferred to OR table, place arms on arm boards with padding
Feel free to introduce yourself
Attach monitors and activate NIBP
Ask and proceed by turning on O2 to > 6 l/min, gently placing mask on patient’s face
After the patient is induced (asleep), hand the laryngoscope to the anesthesiologist
Hand the ETT to anesthesiologist> Keep ETT clean (do not place down on blankets etc.
Stand at the right side of patient’s head, retracting the right corner of patient’s mouth slightly outward to facilitate laryngeal viewing
If asked you may have to do one of the following:
Lifting patient’s head to achieve exaggerated “sniffing” position
Once intubated, take laryngoscope blade for cleaning later on
Ask if you can apply wrist restraints
Ask if you can apply Bair Hugger and at which temperature setting
Briefly check machine and cart for any restocking to be done
Move IV poles and chair in place
Ask to be excused
On your way out, make sure the stretcher has an O2 cylinder that is at least half full
Make sure that there is a secure IV pole on the stretcher. If not, please report to Lead Anesthesia Technician / nurse manager immediately, and replace stretcher if another is available.
Check back periodically in all long cases. Make sure trash can is emptied, especially if major transfusions occurred, central line packaging were placed in trash etc.