DNP 852 Basic Principles of Anesthesia I.
3 credit hours
Course Description
First of two basic principles courses providing an analysis of fundamental principles of anesthesia
management and practice with an emphasis on best practices and the safe use of anesthesia delivery
systems and related equipment. AANA Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice and theory are
synthesized emphasizing culturally competent individualized care across the life span. Topics include
patient safety, perianesthesia continuum, critical thinking, communication, leadership, and professional
role. Content focuses on preoperative assessment and preparation; equipment, instrumentation, and
technology; airway equipment/management; fluid/blood replacement; interpretation of data;
positioning; general anesthesia; and documentation. Patient simulation labs will be utilized for
developing psychomotor skills.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding anesthesia equipment by completing a comprehensive
equipment check.
2. Protect patients from iatrogenic complications during the perianesthesia continuum.
3. Provide culturally competent anesthesia care utilizing the AANA Standards for Nurse Anesthesia
Practice and evidence based practice.
4. Apply AANA Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice in planning, performing, evaluating and
documenting patient assessment and anesthesia care.
5. Demonstrate basic airway management skills.
Corequisites/Prerequisites: Courses in each semester serve as prerequisites for the courses that follow
in sequence during the next semester.