The essence of taking a history is to gain the patient’s trust and manage the anaesthetic risk:
- Identify extra risks
- Evaluate all risks
- Decide if it is possible to adjust the anaesthetic to reduce the risk
- If not, you will discuss with the patient whether he/she is willing to accept the risk
The vast majority of deviations from normal physiology will increase the risk to the patient.
A standard medical history is taken, with particular reference to certain issues relevant to anaesthesia. The important points to remember are:
- The presenting complaint – reason for surgery
- Systems review
- Medication and drug allergy history
- Past medical history
- Past anaesthetic history
- Family history
- Social history
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