Elizabeth Ringer, RN, BSN, Surgical Admission Unit, Parkview Health, walks patients and their loved ones through the general anesthesia process, from start to finish.
General anesthesia keeps you asleep and relaxed during a procedure. Before receiving any medication, an anesthesia provider will review your medical, surgical and anesthesia history for your safety. If you have questions or concerns regarding your anesthesia, the provider will address them with you.
Before you go to your procedure, for your safety and to prevent potential lost or misplaced items, you will be asked to remove all jewelry, hearing aids, dentures or partials, and glasses or contacts. The anesthesia provider will give you medication through your IV or mask to help you go off to sleep. You'll remain unconscious for the duration of your procedure.
Your team
During this time, an anesthesia provider will closely monitor you and provide medications to ensure your well-being while you're sleeping. An anesthesia provider and a registered nurse will be with you the entire time you're asleep for your procedure.
During your procedure, you may have a certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) involved in your care. A CAA is a specialized, advanced provider who practices under the medical direction of an anesthesia physician on the anesthesia care team. The anesthesiologist assistant will be in the room with you the entire time you're under anesthesia with the anesthesiologist.
Being present during the most demanding portions of your care, the provider will place a breathing device down your throat while you are asleep to help keep you safe. It will be removed before you wake up.
Potential side effects
General anesthesia does have some common side effects that you should be aware of.
- Some people may wake up feeling dizzy or lightheaded. This is a side effect of the medications that you're given during procedure. These feelings may last up to 24 hours after receiving general anesthesia. This is not uncommon, and the feelings will resolve without intervention.
- You may wake up post procedure with a dry or scratchy throat and a bad taste in your mouth. This can last for several hours.
- You may also experience an itchy phase or eyes while waking up. This is a common side effect, and we ask for your safety, that you please refrain from rubbing your eyes or face during your recovery.
Your safety is our priority. We ask that you be careful as you begin to move around after your procedure. Please do not get out of bed without assistance as you are more likely to fall. Our dedicated team is focused on ensuring your safety and well-being throughout your stay with us.
Please feel free to direct any questions to your bedside nurse or anesthesia provider.
