Anesthesia: Safety Tips Every Patient Needs to Know
In order for you and your family to have peace of mind, and be confident in the instance of a procedure dealing with anesthesia, please consider the following.
Be honest.
Giving your medical history is no time to lie, especially when you are being administered certain doses that are in conjunction with the information you’ve shared with the doctor. In the event that something goes wrong with the anesthesia during the procedure, your chances of seeking compensation disappear if you fabricate details in your medical record. Since the anesthesiologist is administering certain doses of complex medicines based on what you wrote, the liability is no longer placed on them if you become ill or injured as a result of treatment after you’ve been dishonest.
Your medical history will include areas of health such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep apnea, obesity, medications, habits and allergies. Some of these may be sensitive topics to some patients, but remember that being truthful can save your life.
Ask questions.
At times, an anesthesiologist will be the one monitoring you throughout your procedure. In other cases, another medical professional might come in and take his/her place. If there will be someone else, be sure to find out who that person is, what their duties include and what qualifications they have comparable to your anesthesiologist.
Your anesthesiologist and other medical professionals should expect you to ask questions. Being aware of who is administering you anesthesia and other drugs is extremely important. Do not be afraid to inquire about anything you are unfamiliar with or curious about.
Do your research.
Make sure your anesthesiologist is board certified in anesthesiology. This is a simple step that often goes unnoticed. A board certification means the medical professional has experienced and passed rigorous written tests to obtain their certification.
Knowing whether or not your anesthesiologist is board certified requires little research. Look up their name and practice on their website or contact them directly to find out their credentials.
By following these simple steps, you may be more likely to have a safer experience with anesthesia. And in doing so, you may save you and your family from the burden of unnecessary and preventable troubles. Contact the attorneys at McMullen & Drury for more information regarding medical malpractice claims today.
