Your Guide to Anesthesia
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about anesthesia.
What is a CRNA?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)Sometimes called a CRNA, nurse anesthesiologist, or nurse anesthetist, these are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who specialize in administering anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)Registered Nurses (RNs) who have a Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing and special certification. These nurses can treat and manage patient problems, prescribe medications, and order tests. who specializes in administering anesthesiaThe use of medications to temporarily block pain, sensations, and awareness during procedures and surgery. There are many different types of anesthesia that a CRNA can provide. for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. They provide care before, during, and after procedures, often working in operating rooms, hospitals, and pain management clinics. Learn more about CRNAs.
What is anesthesia?
Anesthesia is the use of medications to temporarily block pain, sensations, and awareness during procedures and surgery. There are many different types of anesthesia that a CRNA can provide.
What are the different types of anesthesia?
There are four main types of anesthesia: general, sedation, regional, and local.
To learn more about the different types of anesthesia, read these articles:
Is anesthesia safe?
Yes, anesthesia is safe when given by a trained anesthesia professional, like a CRNASometimes called a CRNA, nurse anesthesiologist, or nurse anesthetist, these are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who specialize in administering anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. . Learn more about the safety of anesthesia in different healthcare settings in the Safe, High-Quality Care section.
How does anesthesia work?
Anesthesia works through the use of medications that temporarily block pain, sensations, and awareness during medical procedures and surgeries. The types of medications used are based on the type of anesthesia needed, your health, and the procedure being performed. Learn more about Anesthesia Medications.