question from someone who knows nothing

[haveaquestion]

Why are pre-op sedation drugs like versed and fentanyl needed? Is it only for anti-anxiety effects? Or is there a medical need? Are there circumstances where a patient can ever opt out of it and go into the OR fully awake before then being put completely under?

I'm not a nurse, so please excuse the simplistic nature of my post.

[elcue]

hi. :welcome:

since you apparently are not a medical person, i'm attaching this explanation from webmd.com. in addition to the physiologic reasons explained here, premedication simply appears to ease the patient more gently into the anesthetic process. these days, if a premed is given at all, midazolam (versed) is the one i see most often.

hope this helps. linda

premedication

you may be given a medication before anesthesia. medications may be given orally or by injection immediately before anesthesia.

premedications are given for a variety of reasons, including to:

relieve anxiety. the medications most commonly given to relieve anxiety are benzodiazepines such as midazolam (versed), diazepam (valium), and lorazepam (ativan).

relieve or prevent pain. medications to relieve pain (analgesics) may be given to people who are in pain before the procedure begins as well as to reduce pain during the procedure.

reduce secretions. certain medications (anticholinergic agents) may be used to reduce secretions in the mouth and respiratory tract.

reduce the volume and acidity of fluids in the stomach to help reduce the risk of aspiration. aspiration occurs when an object or liquid is inhaled into the respiratory tract. in some cases medications are given to reduce or neutralize stomach acidity, which can lower the risk of injury if stomach juices are regurgitated into the throat or inhaled into the airway.

reduce nausea and vomiting. people who are at risk for nausea and vomiting either during the procedure or during recovery may receive medications called antiemetics.

control body functions. medications may be given that help control the body's automatic responses to the pain and stress of surgery. other medications may be given to help maintain heartbeat or blood pressure at a stable and regular level.

[x_coastie]

Elcue,

Great info for a pre-noob trying to learn as much as possible before school starts.

Thanks