A P R I L 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 2 1
P
atients often neglect to share important health information
with their anesthesia providers before surgery. They might
not realize that taking ginkgo biloba for memory, using med-
ical marijuana for pain, smoking and snoring are relevant, but these
supplements, drugs and conditions are among the 8 things your nurs-
es and anesthetists should ask patients before they wheel them back
to the OR.
Stress to patients that you're not judging them, you simply need them
to be honest about their health history so you can provide the safest,
most effective anesthesia and pain relief. Let patients know that ensur-
ing their safety is your priority and this information is essential. Be sure
to ask patients if they:
8 Questions to Ask Patients Before Surgery
Full disclosure is key to a safe anesthesia experience.
Anesthesia Alert
Linda J. Mason, MD, FASA
• REVEALING CONVERSATION Encourage patients to
be forthcoming about their health history before surgery.
Jason
Meehan