Most patients undergoing a general anaesthetic are maintained on inhalation agents and therefore in a situation where they will be connected to an anaesthetic machine. This means that with the inhalation agent, oxygen or medical air will also be delivered as well as nitrous oxide in some cases. It is important, as in any anaesthetic, to monitor the respiratory function of the patient, including respiratory rate, rhythm, and effort, as well end-tidal carbon dioxide and anaesthetic agent levels if the equipment is available to do so. | Most patients undergoing a general anaesthetic are maintained on inhalation agents and therefore in a situation where they will be connected to an anaesthetic machine. This means that with the inhalation agent, oxygen or medical air will also be delivered as well as nitrous oxide in some cases. It is important, as in any anaesthetic, to monitor the respiratory function of the patient, including respiratory rate, rhythm, and effort, as well end-tidal carbon dioxide and anaesthetic agent levels if the equipment is available to do so. |