B2 – Upper Intermediate
The administration of anesthesia makes the surgery emotionally and physically comfortable for the patient. It works as a pain blocker, anxiety reliever, and some types of anesthesia can put the patient in a state of unconsciousness. These are the benefits of using anesthesia during a surgery. However, there are cases where it could actually lead to death.
Let’s read the article and know more about the increasing number of anesthesia-related deaths.
https://www.english-online.at/news-articles/health-medicine/anaesthesia-causing-more-deaths.htm
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the verb “undergo” mean? “The reason for this is that, because of modern medicine, more and more older patients undergo operations.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
- Define the word “means“. “ Ancient civilizations gave patients plants like poppy or alcohol to stop pain. In the 1800s laughing gas was discovered as a means of anaesthesia.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What does the word “arise” mean? “When complications due to anaesthesia arise , the whole operating team must react quickly to get the situation under control.” Give two (2) synonyms and use ‘arise’ in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Why are there more deaths caused by anesthesia?
- How does the administration of anesthesia take place before the operation?
- According to the article, what were the other forms of anesthesia in the past? Cite some of them.
- Name any side effects and risks associated with the administration of anesthesia that you know of.
- What concerns you most about anesthesia?