Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

Which anesthesia type is primarily used for GI surgery?

1. Local anesthesia

2. Regional anesthesia

3. General anesthesia

4. Topical anesthesia

The correct answer is: General anesthesia

General anesthesia is primarily used for gastrointestinal (GI) surgery because it allows for the complete unconsciousness of the patient and loss of sensation throughout the entire body. This surgical setting often requires the abdomen to be opened and manipulated, which can be uncomfortable and painful for the patient. General anesthesia facilitates a controlled environment where vital functions can be monitored and managed, making it safer for the patient during extensive procedures. For GI surgeries, surgeons often need a still operative field, which is better achieved under general anesthesia as it provides muscle relaxants to help with this goal. This allows for improved access and visibility for the surgeon. While other forms of anesthesia, such as regional or local anesthesia, might be considered in minor or specific types of procedures, they do not provide the same level of muscle relaxation or comprehensive control over the patient’s unconscious state, making them less suitable for more invasive GI surgeries. Topical anesthesia, while effective for minor procedures, would be inadequate for the extensive nature of GI surgeries.