Final answer:
The induction phase of general anesthesia is achieved through inhalational or intravenous anesthetics. An injection is typically used for rapid induction followed by a gas to maintain anesthesia, delivered with an anesthesia machine. Endotracheal intubation may be utilized to secure airways during the procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phase of induction of general anesthesia is usually achieved through the administration of anesthetic drugs by two main routes: either as gases or vapors known as inhalational anesthetics or as injections, which may be intravenous anesthetics or intramuscular. During the induction phase, an injection is often given to induce anesthesia swiftly, followed by a gas used to maintain it. Both modes of administration utilize hydrophobic agents, making them suitable for the desired effect, which includes immobility, analgesia, amnesia, unconsciousness, and reduced autonomic responsiveness to noxious stimuli.
Anesthesia is often delivered using an anesthesia machine, which carefully composes a mixture of oxygen, anesthetics, and ambient air to be delivered to the patient while monitoring vital parameters. Once under anesthesia, procedures like endotracheal intubation may be used to secure the patient's airway and ensure breathing is maintained throughout the surgery. After the procedure, the anesthesiologist manages the patient's emergence from anesthesia, which often takes about 30 minutes for the patient to wake up and the respiratory muscles to regain control. It is common for patients to experience a sore or scratchy throat post-surgery from the intubation.