Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) Practice Test

What is a common complication during emergence from general anesthesia?

1. Hyperthermia

2. Hyperventilation

3. Hypoxia

4. Vomiting

The correct answer is: Hypoxia

During emergence from general anesthesia, hypoxia is a common complication that can occur due to various factors related to the anesthesia process and the patient's physiological responses. General anesthesia can depress the respiratory system, leading to reduced ventilation and, subsequently, lower oxygen levels in the blood. As the patient emerges from anesthesia, their airway reflexes may still be impaired, which can contribute to difficulties in maintaining adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Additionally, factors such as the use of certain anesthetic agents or the presence of respiratory depression can exacerbate the risk of hypoxia. For these reasons, monitoring oxygen saturation and ensuring adequate airway management during this phase is crucial to prevent hypoxia and its associated complications. In terms of the other options, while conditions like hyperventilation, hyperthermia, and vomiting can occur during or after anesthesia, they are less commonly associated specifically with the emergence phase compared to hypoxia. Therefore, hypoxia stands out as a prominent concern during recovery from general anesthesia.