Anesthesiology Study Questions
2025/2026 Update
tranquilization - ANS-a state of tranquility and calmness in which the animal is awake,
relaxed, and unconcerned about its surroundings. The animal is easily arousable and
will respond to painful stimuli.
sedation - ANS-more profound central nervous system depression than tranquilization
in which the animal is awake, sleepy, but still able to be aroused by stimulation. Minor
manipulations can be performed, and aggressive animals may be easier to handle.
surgical anesthesia - ANS-reversible loss of sensation to all or part of the body.
Unconsciousness, analgesia, and hyporeflexia (relaxation) are characteristic of the
anesthetic state. Additionally, lack of purposeful movement and prevention of
undesirable autonomic responsiveness are desirable anesthetic characteristics.
Anesthesia is produced by the administration of drugs that depress the central and/or
peripheral nervous systems.
balanced anesthesia - ANS-a technique of general anesthesia based on the concept
that administration of a mixture of small amounts of several neuronal depressants (for
example, narcotics and inhalational agents) maximizes the advantages, but not the
disadvantages of, the individual components of the mixture. (from medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com)
dissociative anesthesia - ANS-type of general anesthesia in which the animal is
'dissociated' from its surroundings and unaware of external stimuli. These agents
interrupt neurotransmission between the thalamocortical and limbic areas of the CNS.
The animal retains some muscle rigidity (catalepsy); open eyes with palpebral reflexes;
and somewhat intact swallowing reflexes.
What are the 5 necessary components of general anesthesia? - ANS--
Unconsciousness
- Amnesia
- Analgesia (more accurately antinociception)
- Immobility
- Attenuation of autonomic response to noxious stimuli
Why is analgesia NOT a necessary component of general anesthesia? - ANS-because
when an animal is anesthetized it is unconscious and is therefore it cannot feel pain.
An animal in Stage 2 would show what kind of signs? Is this animal consciously aware
of its environment? - ANS-- Delirium or involuntary excitement
- No