Nurse Anesthetists

Today marks the beginning of the first official National Nurse Anesthetists Week. Its purpose is to raise awareness and focus attention on the high-quality anesthesia that certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) provide daily.

As a resident of Thousand Oaks, I felt that this would be good forum to review commonly asked questions and describe the CRNA role.

Is anesthesia safe? New technologies, extensive training and high professional standards have made the administration of anesthesia one of the safest aspects of a surgical or obstetrical procedure.

Are there different types of anesthesia? There are three basic types: General anesthesia produces a loss of sensation throughout the entire body; regional anesthesia produces a loss of sensation to a specific region of the body; and local anesthesia produces a loss of sensation to a small, specific area of the body.

What determines which type of anesthesia is best? This decision is based on factors such as your physical condition, the nature of the surgery and your reactions to medications. The preoperative interview with your anesthesia provider is key in the selection of the best anesthetic for you. In particular, you must speak freely and frankly and follow instructions closely regarding your intake of medications, food or beverages before your surgery.

Communication and cooperation between you and your anesthesia provider are essential to the anesthesia process and its safety.

DONNA FUNKE

Thousand Oaks