Mnemonic for Preoperative Anesthesia Evaluation
This mnemonic was developed to help anesthesiologists fulfill their required preoperative evaluation check list and hence avoid mistakes and decrease operative complications.
The mnemonic is as following A2, B2, C2, D2, E2, F2, and G2. Each letter has two meaning that the anesthesiologist will have to ask about.
- Appropriate history of present illness.
- Airway examination.
- Breathing issues.
- Blood levels and blood loss estimation.
- Clinical examination.
- Co-morbidities that can affect anesthesia decisions.
- Drug history and medication reconciliation.
- Difficult level of anesthesia prediction based on previous history.
- Evaluate preop work up.
- Evaluate surgery timing.
- Fluid hydration status.
- Fasting duration confirmation.
- Give an ASA physical classification.
- Get consent.
Mnemonic for preoperative airway assessment
LEMON
- L – Look externally (facial trauma, large tongue, large incisors)
- E – Evaluate the 3-3-2 rule: (FB – finger breadths)
- Incisor distance – 3FB
- Hyoid-Mental distance – 3FB
- Thyroid to mouth distance – 2FB
- M – Mallampati Score
- O – Obstruction (airway obstruction)
- N – Neck mobility (limited neck motion)
For more anesthesiology mnemonics check this mnemonic book.
This post covers the points you need to know for your board exams as well as for teaching residents on the daily rounds. Medical professionals can't use the information here to treat their patients nor people can use the information her to treat themselves. If you are having any medical issues, contact your local emergency services or your primary care provider. Please refer to your doctor for medical advice.