OBJECTIVES

Discuss the importance of critical thinking in preparing for examinations.
Describe the importance of using national perianesthesia nursing standards of care to guide perianthesia nursing practice.
Evaluate the pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics of drugs used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.
Examine the stages of general anesthesia induction and reversal.
Analyze the risks and benefits of regional anesthesia techniques.
Compare the needs of special patient populations in perianethesia care.
Relate the preoperative preparation process to the effects of anesthesia and surgery.
Prioritize Phase I care of the post-anesthetic patient.
List important discharge criteria for the Phase II post-operative patient.
Identify the appropriate treatment for common post-anesthetic emergencies.
Give examples of the common medications used to treat post-operative emergencies.
Explore advanced monitoring techniques used in the PACU.