Anaesthesia for special groups such as children, the elderly and pregnant women: safety and care
As an integral part of surgical treatment, anaesthesia is applied with particular caution for patients of different age groups and physiological states. As a special group, children, the elderly and pregnant women have a significant difference in their physiological characteristics and health status from that of adults and therefore require special consideration in the process of anaesthesia. This paper will explore in depth the special considerations of these three special groups in the context of anaesthesia, with a view to raising public awareness of the safety of the specific groups and to promoting communication and understanding between patients and patients.
I. Special consideration for anesthesia of children
Children are at a stage of growth and development, with differences in their physical and mental characteristics, as well as differences in their sensitivity and response to narcotic drugs. Thus, anaesthesia of children is governed by the following principles:
1. Choice and dose of narcotic drugs
Children are highly sensitive to narcotic drugs and usually require lower doses than adults. Doctors are required to accurately calculate the dose of an narcotic drug, taking into account the age, weight, state of health and type of surgery of the child, in order to avoid overdose or insufficiency.
The choice of narco-pharmaceuticals that have a small and high metabolic impact on children reduces post-operative residual effects and ensures rapid recovery.
2. Choice of anaesthesia
Priority is given to local or regional anesthesia in order to reduce the effects of general anesthesia on children ‘ s nervous and respiratory systems.
For children who have to undergo a full-body anesthesia, rapid induction and absconding techniques should be chosen to reduce the time and risk.
3. Pre-operative preparedness and psychological support
A full physical examination of the child is required prior to the operation to assess his or her CPR, liver and kidney functions, etc. to ensure anaesthesia safety.
Psychological support is provided to alleviate the fear and anxiety of children. Through games, stories, etc., children are given anaesthesia and surgery in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
4. Post-operative monitoring and care
After the operation, the vital signs of the child are closely monitored and complications are detected and addressed in a timely manner.
(c) Strengthen pain management to avoid unnecessary suffering and trauma to children.
II. Special consideration of the anesthesia of the elderly
Older persons are at a relatively high risk of anaesthesia due to a physical decline, often associated with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Among older persons, the following points require special attention:
Pre-aesthetic assessment and preparation
Comprehensive assessment of the physical condition of older persons, including CPR, liver and kidney functions, electrolyte balance, and development of individualized anesthesia programmes.
Adapting and controlling chronic diseases of the elderly, such as keeping blood pressure and blood sugar within appropriate limits to reduce the risk of anaesthesia.
2. Choice and dosage of narcotic drugs
The choice of drugs that affect older persons with small and rapid metabolism avoids the use of substances that impair the function of the liver and kidney.
The dose of narcotic drugs is accurately adjusted to the physical condition and surgical needs of the elderly to avoid the adverse effects of overdose.
3. Optimization of anaesthesia
Priority is given to anaesthesia that affects older persons less, such as local or regional anesthesia.
In the whole body of anesthesia, the effects of anaesthesia on older persons are reduced by the use of rapid induction and absconding techniques.
Post-operative monitoring and rehabilitation
Post-operative monitoring is enhanced to detect and treat complications such as low blood pressure and heart disorders in a timely manner.
Strengthening pain management and promoting the post-operative rehabilitation of older persons. At the same time, attention is paid to the psychological situation of older persons and necessary psychological support is provided.
III. Special consideration for anaesthesia of pregnant women
Pregnant women, as a special group, are subject to anaesthesia that takes into account the safety of both the mother and the child. Among pregnant women, the following points require special attention:
Pre-aesthetic assessment and preparation
Comprehensive physical examination of pregnant women, assessment of their CPR function, liver and kidney function, coagulation function etc. to ensure anaesthesia safety.
(b) Develop personalized anaesthesia programmes for pregnant women during pregnancy weeks, foetal conditions, childbirth, etc.
2. Choice and dosage of narcotic drugs
Selecting drugs that affect the mother and the child with small and rapid metabolism and avoiding the use of drugs that harm the foetus.
The dose of narcotic drugs is accurately adjusted to the condition of the pregnant woman and to the needs of the operation, so as to avoid the adverse effects of overdose.
3. Optimization of anaesthesia
Priority is given to anaesthesia that has less impact on mothers and children, such as local or regional anesthesia. In the whole body of anesthesia, special attention needs to be paid to the types and doses of anaesthesia and to avoiding adverse effects on the foetus.
4. Artistic monitoring and care
The vital signs and foetuses of pregnant women need to be closely monitored in the operation to ensure the safety of the mother and child.
(c) Strengthen pain management to avoid unnecessary suffering of pregnant women and foetuses.
Post-operative monitoring and rehabilitation
Post-operative monitoring is strengthened to detect and manage complications in a timely manner, such as post-partum haemorrhage, infections, etc.
(c) Pay attention to the rehabilitation of pregnant women and provide the necessary nutritional and psychological support. At the same time, attention is paid to the health of the foetus and to ensuring the safety of the mother and the child.
Concluding remarks
Children, the elderly and pregnant women, as special groups, need to pay special attention to their physical characteristics and health status during the anaesthesia process. The safety and health of these special groups in the process of anaesthesia can be ensured through precise drug choice and dose adjustment, optimal choice of anaesthesia, comprehensive pre-operative assessment and preparation and close post-operative monitoring and care. At the same time, communication and understanding between patients and patients are important factors in ensuring the safety of anaesthesia.
