Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 152
During induction of anesthesia, the nurse notes the client becomes hyperactive and physically resists the treatment. The nurse concludes what interventions are needed?
A. Anesthesia must be discontinued.
B. An intravenous drug will be given to calm the client.
C. Anesthesia must be continued.
D. The surgery will need to be rescheduled.
Correct Answer: B. An intravenous drug will be given to calm the client.
Stage 2 is the stage of excitement and hyperactivity. Medications may be given IV to calm the client. This stage is marked by features such as disinhibition, delirium, uncontrolled movements, loss of eyelash reflex, hypertension, and tachycardia. Airway reflexes remain intact during this phase and are often hypersensitive to stimulation. Airway manipulation during this stage of anesthesia should be avoided, including both the placement and removal of endotracheal tubes and deep suctioning maneuvers. Fast-acting agents help to reduce the time spent in stage 2 as much as possible and to facilitate entry to stage 3.
Option A: General anesthesia induces physiological responses, which can result in morbidity and mortality when emergency situations are not properly addressed. Therefore, it is regarded as a high-risk activity where the benefits of surgery must outweigh the potential harms. Mortality directly related to anesthetic management is very rare but may result from pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents, asphyxiation, or anaphylaxis.
Option C: Surgical Anesthesia stage is the targeted anesthetic level for procedures requiring general anesthesia. Ceased eye movements and respiratory depression are the hallmarks of this stage. Airway manipulation is safe at this level.
Option D: Overdose is the stage when too much anesthetic agent is given relative to the amount of surgical stimulation, which results in worsening of an already severe brain or medullary depression. This stage begins with respiratory cessation and ends with potential death.