This chapter will explore the basic principles of pre-anesthesia preparation
and pre-operative planning for pediatric patients presenting to the operating room. This
chapter discusses the general pediatric preoperative evaluation, including pertinent
patient history, family history and exposures, along with psychological preparation of
the child. Premedication often allows for a smoother induction; different options for
premedication as well as types of induction will be explored. This chapter will
conclude with planning for patients with special considerations and when transfer to a
pediatric hospital for specialty care is indicated. The aim will be to provide safe and
effective recommendations and guidelines for general anesthesiologists who provide
care for children.
Keywords: Autism, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), Developmental delay, Dexmedetomidine, Ketamine, Mask induction, Midazolam, Minors, NPO guidelines, Pediatric induction, Pediatric premedication, Pregnancy, Preoperative IV, Preoperative evaluation, Preoperative planning, Recent URI.
