-
Perform or manage regional anesthetic techniques, such as local, spinal, epidural, caudal, nerve blocks and intravenous blocks.
-
Perform or evaluate the results of diagnostic tests, such as radiographs (x-rays) and electrocardiograms (EKGs).
-
Monitor patients' responses, including skin color, pupil dilation, pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, ventilation, or urine output, using invasive and noninvasive techniques.
-
Select, order, or administer anesthetics, adjuvant drugs, accessory drugs, fluids or blood products as necessary.
-
Assess patients' medical histories to predict anesthesia response.
-
Select, prepare, or use equipment, monitors, supplies, or drugs for the administration of anesthetics.
-
Select, order, or administer pre-anesthetic medications.
-
Respond to emergency situations by providing airway management, administering emergency fluids or drugs, or using basic or advanced cardiac life support techniques.
-
Manage patients' airway or pulmonary status, using techniques such as endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, pharmacological support, respiratory therapy, and extubation.
-
Calibrate and test anesthesia equipment.
-
Disassemble and clean anesthesia equipment.
-
Administer post-anesthesia medications or fluids to support patients' cardiovascular systems.
-
Insert arterial catheters or perform arterial punctures to obtain arterial blood samples.
-
Request anesthesia equipment repairs, adjustments, or safety tests.
-
Perform pre-anesthetic screenings, including physical evaluations and patient interviews, and document results.
-
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in nursing.
-
Instruct nurses, residents, interns, students, or other staff on topics such as anesthetic techniques, pain management and emergency responses.
-
Select and prescribe post-anesthesia medications or treatments to patients.
-
Obtain informed consent from patients for anesthesia procedures.
-
Develop anesthesia care plans.
-
Evaluate patients' post-surgical or post-anesthesia responses, taking appropriate corrective actions or requesting consultation if complications occur.
-
Insert peripheral or central intravenous catheters.
-
Prepare prescribed solutions and administer local, intravenous, spinal, or other anesthetics, following specified methods and procedures.
-
Discharge patients from post-anesthesia care.