The Pregnant Patient

Publication date: March 2016 Source:Anesthesiology Clinics, Volume 34, Issue 1 Author(s): Heather McKenzie, Debra Domino PulleyTeaser Pathologic changes can occur during pregnancy requiring diagnostic tests and procedures. A preoperative assessment and perioperative planning are essential. Normal physiologic changes include increased cardiac output and decreased functional residual capacity. Perioperative care should follow American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. Anesthetic concerns include desaturation during periods of apnea, aspiration, difficult intubation, friable nasal tissue, decreased MAC, and hypotension and/or decreased uterine perfusion from the uterus. Anesthesia and medications must be individualized and given only as needed. Limit exposure to multiple drugs and monitor for fetal wellbeing and premature labor per consultation and guidelines.
Source: Anesthesiology Clinics - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research