Final answer:
The difficulties and nursing considerations related to general anesthesia include respiratory depression and airway obstruction, hypotension and cardiovascular instability, and nausea and vomiting. The correct answer to the student's question is 4) All of the above. Special procedures like endotracheal intubation and careful monitoring are used to mitigate these challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difficulties and nursing considerations related to general anesthesia include a range of potential challenges such as respiratory depression and airway obstruction, hypotension and cardiovascular instability, as well as nausea and vomiting. Respiratory depression can lead to insufficient breathing, while airway obstruction is a risk due to the relaxation of the tongue and throat muscles under anesthesia. To prevent this, a procedure called endotracheal intubation is used, where a tube is inserted into the trachea to maintain an open airway to the lungs.
Hypotension and cardiovascular instability are other concerns; monitoring and managing a patient's blood pressure and heart function is crucial during and after surgery. Nausea and vomiting are also common side effects, potentially impacting patient comfort and recovery. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is 4) All of the above.
Nurses and anesthesiologists work together to review key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient, including gradual changes to the gas mixture used for maintaining unconsciousness and ensuring that the muscles of respiration regain control post-surgery.