Types of Anesthesia

Question 1

General Anesthesia (GA)

Answer 1

Produces a loss of consciousness including an absence of pain sensation. The patient’s vital signs (VS) –heart rate, breathing rate, pulse, and blood pressure – are carefully monitored when using a general anesthetic

Question 2

Intravenous (IV)

Answer 2

Route for administering general anesthesia via injection into a vein

Question 3

Inhalation

Answer 3

Route for administering general anesthesia by breathing it in

Question 4

Regional Anesthesia

Answer 4

Also referred to as a ‘nerve block.’ This anesthetic interrupts a patient’s pain sensation in a particular region of the body, such as the arm. The anesthetic is injected near the nerve that will be blocked from sensation. The patient usually remains conscious

Question 5

Local Anesthesia

Answer 5

Produces a loss of sensation in one localized part of the body. The patient remains conscious

Question 6

Subcutaneous

Answer 6

Method of applying local anesthesia involving injecting the anesthetic under the skin. This type of anesthetic is used to deaden the skin prior to suturing a laceration

Question 7

Topical Anesthesia

Answer 7

Method of applying local anesthesia involving placing a liquid or gel directly onto a specific area of skin. This type of anesthetic is used on the skin, the cornea, and the mucous membranes in dental work