Question: What can happen during anaesthesia that might cause problems with oxygen delivery to the tissues?

Answer:

• The patient becomes unconscious and loses the ability to keep a clear airway
• Anaesthesia drugs may affect oxygen delivery to the tissues:
  • Depressed breathing
  • Reduced cardiac output
• Patients may have other problems that interfere with oxygenation:
  • Hypovolaemia - reduced cardiac output
  • Pneumonia