ABSTRACT
Preoperative patient assessment is critical for anesthetic safety. The patient should be assessed using physical examination and medical history. A prolonged Capillary Refill Time indicates poor perfusion and a patient that definitely requires further diagnostics and supportive stabilization prior to anesthesia. The cause can be anything from hypothermia or dehydration to severe hemorrhage or shock. Abnormalities in either of the systems can significantly impact the safety of anesthesia and warrant further diagnostics prior to anesthesia. Auscultation of the heart for murmurs and while simultaneously feeling for a pulse to make sure that every ausculted heart beat is associated with a pulse is important. Failure to move air normally can indicate severe respiratory disease which can significantly impact the safety of anesthesia. Further diagnostics are required prior to anesthesia. A thorough history that includes information on the patient’s current condition and treatments, previous medical conditions and treatments, and any abnormalities in daily function is important.
