Sample interview questions: Can you discuss your experience with the administration of anesthesia to elderly patients?
Sample answer:
As a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with extensive experience in geriatric anesthesia, I have encountered the unique challenges and considerations associated with administering anesthesia to elderly patients.
Physiological Considerations:
- Cardiovascular: Elderly patients often have underlying cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, or valvular heart disease, which require careful monitoring and tailored anesthetic techniques.
- Respiratory: Age-related changes in lung function, such as decreased vital capacity and residual volume, necessitate meticulous airway management and oxygenation strategies.
- Renal: Impaired renal function can affect drug metabolism and clearance, leading to potential accumulation and toxicity.
Pharmacodynamic Considerations:
- Altered Drug Metabolism: Age-related changes in drug metabolism can result in increased sensitivity to certain anesthetic agents, requiring lower doses and closer titration.
- Polypharmacy: Elderly patients often take multiple medications, which can interact with anesthetic drugs and necessitate careful consideration of drug interactions.
Procedural Considerations:
- Preoperative Assessment: Thorough preoperative assessment of comorbidities, medication history, and functional status is crucial for optimizing anesthetic management.
- Anesthetic Techniques:… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/2_0_5/Nurse%20Anesthetist%20%28CRNA%29