Tolti

We have two anestar anesthesia machines. Any input on problems or concerns about this machine would be welcome. We are in a rural setting, and may occassionally require locums coverage. I would like to make a video or some inservice tool that could orientate a CRNA to this machine....do any of you out there have such a tool. I am waiting for the rep to get back to me, but searching their website has nothing for the clinician, and the manual is tedious, and geared for biomed types. I just want a straightforward visual for an experienced CRNA to use to quickly orientate on a machine that is different from what we have all grown up with. Because this is a solo positon, there might not be the luxury of having a CRNA orientate the locums....generally the locums would come here, only if the CRNA normally scheduled was sick or had a family emergency. I am trying to be prepared for any event.

Thanks for the great input. It is exactly what I needed to present the need to record q 5 minutes....I do moniter continously, and take BPs q 2.5, while recording q 5. I respect the fact that there are many ways to do things in our field, but even though my colleague does continous monitering, his record doesn't reflect this, and in addition, doesn't reflect the accepted standard.

I work with a CRNA who feels that recording vital signs every 10-15 minutes is adequate for a stable GETA pediatric (dental) patient. Do those of you out there know of any published standards for intervals for vital signs recorded on the anesthetic record for GA? I have been a CRNA for 28 years and have always done q 5 minute vitals, more often, if needed....as we work in a small hospital without automated records, I would like to know if there is an actual standard, or if we all just do it because we learned it this way.... I would like to know, and am particularly interested in documented references (like your policy and procedure manual, or JAHCO, or AANA or ? Thanks!