Anesthesiologist how-to
How to Conduct a Preoperative Evaluation
Evaluations make anesthesia safer.
Quick answer
Evaluations make anesthesia safer. In short: review; ask; examine, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Review history, medications and allergies.
Ask about prior anesthesia.
Examine the airway.
Review labs and tests.
Assign ASA class.
Discuss risks and get consent.
Safety reminders for anesthesiologists
- Complete machine and drug checks
- Use time-outs before procedures
- Prevent medication errors with labeling
- Follow infection control
Key terms
Induction · Intubation · MAC · Spinal anesthesia · Epidural · Nerve block: see the full anesthesiologist glossary.