The Revision Guide for Student Nurses (Part I)

Physiological response to anaesthesia

Sarah Dryden - 6321741
“The physiological response of animals to anaesthesia”

Light anaesthesia

Medium anaesthesia

Deep anaesthesia

Anaesthetic overdose

Eye central/caudal

Eye medially rotated

Eye central

Eye central

Pupil moderate dilated

Pupil dilation slight

Pupil dilated

Pupil very dilated

Nystagmus brisk

Nystagmus slow/absent

No nystagmus

No nystagmus

Brisk palpebral reflex

Sluggish palpebral reflex

No palpebral reflex

No palpebral reflex

Eye wide open

Eye closing

Eye open

Eye wide open

Lacrimation ++

Lacrimation +

Lacrimation -

Dry eye

Head and limb movement possible

Muscle relaxation

Total muscle relaxation

Muscles flaccid

Breath holding or rapid breathing

Regular breathing pattern

Reduced respiration rate, often irregular

Cheyne-stokes breathing or gasps

Anal reflex +++

Anal reflex ++

Anal reflex +/-

Anal reflex -

High blood pressure

Normal blood pressure

Low blood pressure

Very low blood pressure

Mucous membranes pink, CRT <2 seconds="" p="">

Mucous membranes pink, CRT <2 seconds="" p="">

Mucous membranes pale/blue CRT > 2 seconds

Mucous membranes grey/blue

Pulse easily palpable

Pulse good to moderate

Weak pulse

Pulse not palpable