Signs of depth and danger. 1962.

A large proportion of the serious complications that occur during pediatric anesthesia are caused by failure to recognize early signs of danger. The greatest dangers include excessive anesthetic depth, respiratory obstruction and depression, acid-base derangement, shock, myocardial depression, and extreme alterations in body temperature. Simple monitoring devices, including the anesthetic chart, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and thermometer, are essential in all major pediatric procedures. Use of the stethoscope should never be omitted in any case. Signs of cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular activity characteristic of infants and children should be familiar to all anesthetists who engage in pediatric work.