Care and basic monitoring of the anaesthetized patient

Anaesthesia results in some impairment of neurological function and varying degrees of perturbation to normal physiological processes and protective reflexes. Patient preparation, the suitability of the environment in which the procedure is conducted, the availability of resuscitation equipment and skilled assistance, safe positioning of the patient, and physiological monitoring must be carefully considered. Practitioners giving anaesthesia should be aware of the pharmacology of the drug(s) used, must be able to recognize the symptoms and signs of toxicity, idiosyncratic reaction or overdose, and must be capable of initiating basic and advanced life support.