S2E2 - Preparing the Operating Room

In this episode, we discuss setting up the operating room for a general anesthetic. The mnemonic SOAP-IM(S) is a helpful checklist for organizing all of the necessary equipment. 

1. Suction

• Is the suction equipment (Yankauer/suction system) present and working?

2. Oxygen:

• Check circuit tubing, gas analyzer tubing, filter, face mask
• Check for availability of back-up O2 tank

3. Airway: 

• Have a plan for potentially difficult airways (stay tuned for the next episode!)
• Prepare an appropriately sized endotracheal tube (ETT), laryngoscope & oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal airway
• Check ETT cuff for leaks 
• Have backup equipment ready
• Know where to access video-laryngoscope 

4. Pharmacy: 

• Check for commonly used medications and rescue medications
• Check the expiry dates of medications as you draw them up, and label each syringe with the medication and concentration

5. IV: equipment for placing an IV, fluids, IV tubing.

6. Machine: anesthetic machine check.

• Check for leaks 
• Ensure circuit can supply positive pressure 

7. Monitors: refer to the CAS requirements 

• Standard required monitors for every patient: 
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Blood pressure (NIBP)
  • 3-lead or 5-lead ECG
  • ETCO2 gas analyzer - measure of ventilation
• Other equipment you will commonly use:
  • Capnography
  • Temp monitor
  • Stethoscope
  • Peripheral nerve stimulator

8. Special equipment + Seat: any extra case-specific equipment, and chairs for you and your staff!

• Consider special equipment such as blood products as needed

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