Relaxing the muscles of the body. For certain medical procedures, patients may be given smaller doses of the drugs used in general anesthesia to relieve pain and anxiety without making them unconscious. For example, small amounts of general anesthetics are sometimes given to women during labor and delivery or to patients having minor procedures in a doctor's or dentist's office. The patient experiences analgesia or a loss of pain sensation but remains conscious and can carry on a conversation. The patient may experience delirium or become violent.
Blood pressure rises and becomes irregular, and breathing rate increases.
This stage is typically bypassed by administering a barbiturate, such as sodium pentothal, before the anesthesia. During this stage, the skeletal muscles relax, and the patient's breathing becomes regular. Eye movements slow, then stop, and surgery can begin. Death can result if the patient cannot be revived quickly. This stage should never be reached.