Nurse Anesthetist how-to

How to Evaluate a Patient Before Surgery

Evaluations shape the anesthesia plan.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Evaluations shape the anesthesia plan. In short: review; ask; assess, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Review history and medications.

  2. Ask about prior anesthesia and family reactions.

  3. Assess the airway.

  4. Review labs and tests.

  5. Assign ASA class.

  6. Discuss the plan and get consent.

Safety reminders for nurse anesthetists

  • Complete machine and drug checks
  • Label all syringes
  • Follow difficult airway algorithms
  • Prevent infection with sterile technique

CRNA · Induction · Intubation · Regional anesthesia · Nerve block · MAC: see the full nurse anesthetist glossary.

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