The anesthetist watches constantly the rhythm and quality of the breathing, the color of the ear and the character of the pulse. From time to time, only as occasion demands, he refers to the accessory signs for confirmation. Should he, at any time, be in doubt about the depth of the narcosis, the first step is always to desist from giving more of the anesthetic until he has regained his bearings or the signs of awakening are recognized.
Some Important Reflexes.
Pharyngeal Reflex
(1) Pharyngeal reflex. Coughing does not necessarily indicate awakening. It usually means that the vapor of the anesthetic is too concentrated and irritates the air passages. “Holding the breath” occurs even in fairly deep narcosis and has the same significance. The treatment is to dilute the anesthetic by admitting air.
Ano-respiratory Reflex
(2) Ano-respiratory reflex. The crowing inspiration heard during operation on the perineum or rectum, does not indicate that the patient should have more anesthetic.
Splanchnic Reflex
(3) The reflex produced by traction on the gall bladder or mesentery is similar in its significance to that of the ano-respiratory reflex.
Vomiting During Anesthesia.
Vomiting