Back to Basics: Inhaled Anesthesia

The administration of inhalational anesthesia is a major component of providing care for patients undergoing operative or other invasive procedures. The perioperative nurse should understand the effects of anesthesia and actions of anesthetic agents (eg, unconsciousness, analgesia, anesthesia, muscle relaxation) and carefully assess the patient for contraindications to the anesthetic proposed, understand its effect on the patient, and understand how anesthesia affects the care provided. This Back to Basics article provides an overview of inhalational anesthesia and serves as a guide for nurses in the perioperative care of anesthetized patients.