Operation-induced anxiety

Time passes very rapidly. Whether we realise or not, we have reached 1/4 of 2010. How fast it could be. The same apply to our age, it is increasing day by day. So, have you manage your time wisely, my dear friends ?

Hmmm..

Now we are learning about anaesthesia in Pharmacology. Pretty interesting topic for me, as I learn how those tongue twister drugs react in our body, and for what purpose they are used.



For example, if you are about to be operated in the big and scary-to-be operation theatre, what is your first response ?

I believe the first thing to happen is anxiety. Right ? Your heart beat might rise markedly, as well as shaking of the limbs, tremor-like condition.

Thus, there is a group of drug called Preanaesthetic medication, which is used prior to administration of an anaesthetic agent. As the name suggests, it is used before the application of the anaesthesia, making the administration of anaesthetic agents safer to patient.

Preanaesthetic medication can cause sedation, reduce the anxiety and apprehension. This may reduces the excitement and calm the patient, the main reason it is used. Being calm is very important for surgery procedure. Otherwise, this procedure may be interrupted. As the patient's anxiety is reduced, the operation can be carried out smoothly.

Other than that, it may relieve pre and post-operative pain. This is possible as analgesia is also included in this medication.

It is also used to inhibit salivation and tracheobronchial secretion. These secretions may promote aspiration pneumonia, another hazardous effect.

Usually, after undergoing operation, patient may experience nausea and vomiting. It is this preanaesthetic medication that acts as antiemetic, which is effective in reducing post-operative nausea as well as vomiting. This is really important to ensure the patient to be more comfortable after the operation.

This is just the mechanisms of action. Quite interesting if we know the reasons behind its application.

What matters most, the overdosage of those anaesthetic agents must be avoided. Otherwise, patients may 'sleep for a very long period'. It is of no use to 'awake' those patients anymore.

As a student, Law of Repetition must be practised by us. Revision is truly helpful, as we can memorise very well for a long period. As in Pharmacology, this repetition is a must, as there are a lot of names to be remembered.

The most important thing, our desire to learn and never give up.

Like the famous saying, 'Practise makes perfect'. Then success will be waiting for us.