CRNA and AA

REQUIRED QUESTIONS

Skip to Optional

1. Is safety the top priority in the anesthesia department?
2. Is there (in continuous use) a device with an audible alarm capable of detecting disconnection of the breathing system whenever inhalation anesthesia with mechanical ventilation is administered?
3. Is pulse oximetry used for all sedated or anesthetized patients, and are the variable-pitch, pulse tone, and the low threshold alarms audible?
4. Is an oxygen analyzer with a low oxygen concentration limit audible alarm in use at all times during a general anesthetic?
5. Does every patient receiving anesthesia or sedation have the electrocardiogram continuously displayed from the beginning of anesthesia until preparing to leave the anesthetizing location?
6. Does every patient receiving general anesthesia have, in addition to the above, circulatory function continually evaluated by at least one of the following:
   • Palpation of a pulse
   • Auscultation of heart sounds
   • Monitoring of a tracing of intra-arterial pressure
   • Ultrasound peripheral pulse monitoring
   • Pulse Oximetry
7. Is every patient re-evaluated immediately prior to induction of anesthesia, and is this documented on the anesthetic record?
8. Is the full APSF checklist (anesthesia machine checklist) performed at the beginning of the day and critical elements repeated prior to each anesthetic? Is the checklist readily available on or near each machine (for practices with anesthesia machines?)
9. Are all drugs (except those to be given immediately) legibly labeled with minimum information including drug name and drug concentration (and the date if syringe/vial not disposed of after each case?) [Or a method exists to determine syringe content, concentration, and expiration.] Are all admixtures appropriately labeled?
10. Are scheduled medications under the personal control of the anesthesiologist or CRNA at all times?
11. Do anesthesiologists promptly respond when called to the room of a non-physician anesthesia provider?
12. Are you certified or on track to become certified?
13. Would you allow any member of this anesthesia department to anesthetize you or a family member?
14. Are you ACLS and/or PALS certified?

OPTIONAL QUESTIONS

1. Is there a culture of professionalism in the department?
2. Does the department support your practice and do you have appropriate latitude for your professional activities?
3. Are patients properly and timely prepared preoperatively and is this communicated to the anesthesiologist or CRNA who will be caring for the patient in a reasonable and timely manner?
4. Do you have clinical support for the decisions you make?
5. Is there an open and effective collegial communication between you, the Chairman, and other members of the anesthesia department?

Back to Top