Longnecker's Anesthesiology > Part 2. Preparing for Anesthesia > Section A. Approach to the Anesthesia Patient > Chapter 5. The Anesthetic Plan for Healthy Patients Patrick E. Benedict, MD, and Kevin K. Tremper, PhD, MD

Key Points

"1. The main objectives in anesthetizing healthy patients are safety and efficacy.

2. The purpose of the anesthetic history and physical examination in healthy patients is fourfold:

To fully elucidate the nature of the surgical problem and the specific requirements of the operation being performed.

To ensure that the patient is, in fact, healthy.

To identify patient features that could potentially complicate the anesthetic.

To interview the patient and determine the patient's preferences.

3. A successful anesthetic plan must take into account the needs of the patient, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist.

4. Healthy patients can undergo most of their preoperative evaluation and preparation immediately prior to surgery.

5. Extensive evaluation and testing are rarely necessary in healthy patients undergoing uncomplicated surgical procedures.

6. Anesthetic monitoring has evolved greatly and is believed to prevent complications and improve outcomes.

7. Healthy patients rarely require more than basic, noninvasive intraoperative monitoring.

8...."