A patient asks a nurse to explain the differences between general anesthesia and regional anesthesia. What is the correct response relating to general anesthesia?

Question

a. "General anesthesia inhibits peripheral nerve conduction."
b. "Under general anesthesia all sensation and consciousness is lost."
c. "Under general anesthesia there is a loss of sensation in a specific area of the body."
d. "General anesthesia is routinely used for procedures that only require a decreased level of consciousness."

Answer 1

B
General anesthesia is administered during major procedures requiring extensive tissue manipulation or any time analgesia, muscle relaxation, immobility, and control of the autonomic nervous system are required. Regional anesthesia results in loss of sensation in an area of the body by anesthetizing sensory pathways. This type of anesthesia is
accomplished by injecting a local anesthetic along the pathway of a nerve from the spinal cord. Administration techniques include peripheral nerve blocks and spinal, epidural, and caudal blocks. A patient requires careful monitoring during and immediately after regional anesthesia for return of sensation and movement distal to the regional anesthesia.