Patient monitoring may reduce the risk of harm by detecting and alerting the caregiver to changes in patient condition
Depth of anaesthesia
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? display for longer than this interval .
Device monitoring Cuff pressures of tracheal tubes and supraglottic airway devices should be monitored with manometers to reduce airway morbidity and improve the performance of the device . 12
Patient monitoring The use of patient monitoring devices should act to supplement clinical observation , for which the availability of a stethoscope is recommended at all times . For the safe conduct of anaesthesia , the minimum monitoring recommended by the AAGBI includes :
• Pulse oximeter
• NIBP
• ECG
• Inspired and end-tidal oxygen , carbon dioxide , and nitrous oxide and volatile agents if used
• Airway pressures
• Peripheral nerve stimulator if neuro-muscular
217 HHE 2018 | hospitalhealthcare . com blockade is undertaken
• Temperature if duration of anaesthesia is > 30 minutes .
Monitoring must commence as soon as feasibly possible before induction of anaesthesia and commence until full recovery from anaesthesia . Any circumstances necessitating an absence of one or more monitor ( s ) must be documented .
Recovery from anaesthesia Full recovery is defined as a patient who no longer requires airway support , is spontaneously ventilating , alert , responsive and , when appropriate , speaking . It is recognised that the period of transfer from theatre to recovery represents an increase in risk , and it is therefore recommended that departments provide the same minimum monitoring as above , particularly if airway devices remain in situ . Supplemental oxygen should always be administered at least until full recovery from anaesthesia .
The AAGBI has also introduced guidelines for