Patient
monitoring
may reduce the
risk of harm
by detecting
and alerting
the caregiver
to changes
in patient
condition
display for longer than this interval.
Depth of
anaesthesia
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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
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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