An anesthesiologist’s job is to keep patients safe and comfortable during surgery. They do this by administering anesthesia, which is a mixture of drugs that put patients to sleep and block pain.
However, even with the best intentions, anesthesiologists can make mistakes. Here are 8 common mistakes anesthesiologists make:
- Not monitoring patients closely enough– When patients are under anesthesia, they are unable to tell the anesthesiologist if something is wrong. This is why it’s important for anesthesiologists to constantly monitor patients’ vital signs and be on the lookout for any changes.
- Not adjusting the anesthesia properly– Every patient is different, so the amount and type of anesthesia need to be adjusted accordingly. Anesthesiologists must be careful not to give too much or too little anesthesia, as both can be dangerous. It’s also important to make sure that the anesthesia is appropriate for the type of surgery being performed.
- Not keeping track of drugs– Anesthesiologists have to keep track of many different drugs, and it’s easy to lose track or make a mistake. This can lead to giving the wrong drug to a patient or giving too much of a particular drug.
- Not paying attention to detail– Small details can make a big difference when administering anesthesia. For example, anesthesiologists need to be careful when placing IV lines and intubating patients. If these things are not done properly, it could lead to serious complications.
- Not being prepared for emergencies– Even with the best planning, things can go wrong during surgery. Anesthesiologists need to be prepared for any type of emergency that might arise, such as a patient going into cardiac arrest.
- Not communicating with the surgical team– It’s important for anesthesiologists to keep the surgical team updated on a patient’s condition. If there are any changes, the surgical team needs to be made aware of them so they can take appropriate action.
- Not taking breaks– Anesthesiologists often work long hours, and it can be easy to get burned out. It’s important for them to take breaks when they can and to get plenty of rest. Sometimes, anesthesiologists will work overnight shifts, and it’s important for them to be well-rested before these shifts.
- Not staying up to date on new technology– Anesthesiology is a constantly changing field, and new technology is constantly being developed. Anesthesiologists need to stay up to date on new drugs, procedures, and equipment so they can provide the best care for their patients. There are also anesthesia coding software and apps that anesthesiologists need to be familiar with so they can get reimbursed for their services.
Despite the potential for mistakes, anesthesiologists are highly trained professionals who save lives every day. When they make a mistake, it’s usually not due to malice or negligence, but simply because they are human. If you or a loved one has been harmed by an anesthesiologist’s mistake, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.
