A preoperative patient in the holding area asks the nurse, "Will the doctor put me to sleep with a mask over my face?" The most appropriate response by the nurse is,

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The first step in general anesthesia is the injection of an intravenous (IV) induction agent, which rapidly induces sleep. The anesthesiologist (not the surgeon) determines the method of anesthesia used. Masks may still be used for inhalation, although many patients are intubated. Total IV anesthesia may be used for some patients but inhalation anesthetics also are commonly used.

A Preoperative Patient in the Holding Area Asks the Nurse