Anaesthetists play a very important role in surgery. In addition to the administration and monitoring of anaesthetics and sedation, they have a responsibility to keep the patient comfortable and in a stable condition.
The anaesthetist has a role in the pre, peri and postoperative stages.
Including:
Preoperative- Gaining consent from the patient and choosing the most suitable anaesthetic/s
Perioperative- Monitoring the patient (most important, the patient’s airway)
Postoperative- Continue monitoring the patient, documentation of anaesthetics given and the patient’s state throughout the pre, peri and postoperative stages.
(State Government of Victoria, 2011)
Outside of theatre, anaesthetists can assist with pain relief and management in a wide variety of areas.
State Government of Victoria (2011, February 12). Anaethetist. Pick Vic! Retrieved March 6, 2014, http://pickvic.ssa.vic.gov.au/jobs/healthcare-medical-and-community/medical-and-nursing/anaesthetist
Sterile Field
A sterile field is created to provide a surgically aseptic workspace. It should be considered a restricted area. Asterile drape may be used to establish a sterile field or to extend the sterile working area. The sterile drape should be waterproof on one side, with that side placed down on the work surface. After establishing the sterile field, other sterile items needed, including solutions, are added. Sterile items and sterile gloved hands are the only objects allowed in the sterile field (Lynn, 2011).
Preparing a Sterile Field
1. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.
2. Check that the packaged kit or tray is dry and unopened. Also note expiration date, making sure that the date is still valid.
3. Select a work area that is waist level or higher.
4. Open the outside cover of the package and remove the
