Name a potential complication of general anesthesia.

Study for the AAPC Anesthesia Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Nausea and vomiting following surgery is indeed a common potential complication associated with general anesthesia. It is important to recognize that these symptoms can arise from the effects of anesthetic agents on the gastrointestinal system, as well as from post-operative factors such as pain, the type of surgery performed, or the use of certain pain medications.

In practice, the occurrence of nausea and vomiting may vary depending on the patient's individual tolerance to anesthesia, their history of motion sickness, and the specific drugs used during the procedure. Anesthesiologists often assess a patient’s risk for these reactions and may administer antiemetics either during or after anesthesia to help mitigate this risk.

Other potential complications associated with general anesthesia, while valid concerns, may not be as frequent as postoperative nausea and vomiting. For instance, severe allergic reactions can occur, but they are relatively rare and are usually manageable with prompt medical intervention. Infection at the injection site is more common with regional anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, and excessive sedation is a serious concern but less directly associated with the most anticipated outcomes following general anesthesia procedures.

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