Page 50 - Part 1 Anesthesiology Common Risk Issues

SVMIC Anesthesiology: Common Risk Issues

CASE STUDY

continued
intubation. In fact, it was argued that the standard of care

would have required the anesthesiologist to
personally participate in the anesthesia plan

and make advanced preparations so that an
adequate airway could be maintained.

FUNDAMENTALS: CRNA OVERSIGHT

CRNA oversight should include:

• Standardized protocols and checklists should be used

and reviewed prior to each case

• An anesthesia plan developed specific to the patient

(based upon medical history, physical qualities,
allergies, etc.) should be developed, jointly discussed,

and documented prior to each case which includes
identifying any potential problems and making

advanced preparations in the event difficulties are
encountered

• The supervising physician should never assume the
CRNA knows what to do in every situation regardless

of the CRNA’s level of experience and physician’s trust
in the CRNA

• The CRNA should never be overly confident or
hesitate to request help from the supervising

physician

• The supervising physician should be
available in the event assistance is needed

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