USMLE Reviewer
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Update December 5, 2018
Goals
(1) Assess the patient's medical status and ability to tolerate anesthesia for the planned procedure
(2) Reduce the risks of anesthesia and surgery
(3) Prepare the patient for the procedure
Adequate preoperative patient evaluation and preparation may improve patient satisfaction, as well as decrease complications, delays, cancellations, costs, and mortality.
Identify comorbid conditions, allergies, and previous complications of anesthesia
Manage and optimize medical diseases that affect perioperative risk
Perioperative risk assessment to inform shared decisions on alternatives for care
Creation of a plan for anesthesia and postoperative care
Education of patients and families about expectations surrounding anesthesia care
Obtaining informed consent
Determination of appropriateness for care in ambulatory surgical facilities or remote locations
Providing preoperative instructions regarding medication management and fasting
Motivating patients to stop smoking, lose weight, or commit to other preventive care
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