Sample interview questions: How do you manage patient anxiety and fear related to anesthesia?
Sample answer:
Strategies for Managing Patient Anxiety and Fear Related to Anesthesia
Preoperative Phase:
- Establish a positive and trusting relationship: Greet patients warmly, introduce yourself, and explain your role.
- Discuss the procedure and anesthesia plan: Provide clear and concise information about the surgery, anesthesia, and expected recovery.
- Address concerns and questions: Listen attentively to patient concerns and provide empathetic responses. Address their fears and misconceptions with evidence-based information.
- Offer coping mechanisms: Teach patients relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or meditation.
- Consider anxiolytic medications: In appropriate cases, prescribe benzodiazepines or other anxiolytic medications to reduce anxiety leading up to surgery.
Intraoperative Phase:
- Create a calming environment: Use a quiet and comfortable operating room, minimize noise, and provide blankets or warming devices for comfort.
- Monitor vital signs: Closely monitor patients’ heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygenation to detect subtle signs of anxiety.
- Provide reassurance and support: Stay with patients throughout the induction of anesthesia, talking to them and explaining what they’re experiencing.
- Use appropriate sedatives: Administer sedatives as needed to maintain a calm and cooperative state during surgery.
- Consider regional anesthesia: Regional anesth… Read full answer
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