What is the first phase of general anesthesia?

The first phase of general anesthesia is induction. This phase is crucial as it involves transitioning the patient from a state of consciousness to an unconscious state, allowing for surgical procedures to occur without pain or awareness. During induction, medications are administered to achieve this effect, often through intravenous agents or inhalational anesthetics, ensuring the patient is adequately sedated and relaxed before the surgical procedure begins.

Induction typically includes monitoring vital signs and ensuring the airway is secure, setting up a stable environment for the subsequent maintenance phase, where anesthesia is sustained throughout the surgery. Understanding this phase is essential for surgical technologists, as it lays the groundwork for patient safety and effectiveness of the surgical procedure.