Newswise — Park Ridge, Illinois – What are important questions to ask an anesthesia provider before undergoing surgery? During Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 10-16, 2019), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) want patients to know how, by asking important questions, they can help themselves have a safer surgical experience.
“A lot of times, patients don’t know what to ask before they have surgery,” says AANA President Garry Brydges, DNP, MBA, ACNP-BC, CRNA, FAAN. “Learning the appropriate questions to ask their CRNA will help inform and guide them to do what is best before, during, and after anesthesia; and also will inform and guide the CRNA to create the best anesthesia plan for them.”
Five questions a patient should ask a CRNA include:
- Would you like my list of medications? Are there any concerns or things that I should do prior to anesthesia? (The list of your medications may include over-the-counter medications, illicit drugs, smoking habits, or alcohol consumption.)
- Is it alright to come to my surgery alone or should someone come with me?
- For men: I am currently taking Viagra. Will that interfere with my anesthesia experience in any way?
- For women: What are my anesthesia options for labor and delivery?
- I am diabetic, are there any special concerns before or after I have my surgery?
Responses will differ based on patient medical history, physical condition, and other attributes. These questions will open a dialogue that will help patients and CRNAs communicate important information and plan together.
“Our patients and their safe anesthesia and surgical experience are a CRNA’s top priority,” says Brydges. “The more information a patient can provide for us, and the more they participate in their own planning and care helps improve the quality of care and outcomes.”
About Patient Safety Awareness Week Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual recognition event to encourage everyone to learn more about healthcare safety. Patient Safety Awareness Week serves as a dedicated time and platform for growing awareness about patient safety and recognizing the work already being done.
About the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Founded in 1931 and located in Park Ridge, Ill., and Washington, D.C., the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is the professional organization representing nearly 53,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists across the United States. As advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs are anesthesia experts who administer more than 45 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year and are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural America. In some states, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia professionals in nearly 100 percent of rural hospitals. For more information, visit www.aana.com and www.future-of-anesthesia-care-today.com.
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