The physician listens to the patient s heart and breathing, notes any abnormalities of the head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat. During the neurological exam, the patient s mental status, as well as sensory and motor function is considered. Any condition effecting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and nervous systems can increase surgical risk. Understanding these problems and addressing them before and during surgery can make the spinal procedure safer. Red blood cells are needed to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Platelets are the smallest cells in the blood and are essential to blood coagulation.
For example, calcium is necessary for contraction of skeletal muscle as well as relaxation of cardiac muscle. Female patients of childbearing age may be given a pregnancy test. Patients with a history of cardiovascular surgery, angina, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or smokers are usually EKG candidates, whatever their age. These same patients may also be given a chest x-ray. This instrument measures the volume of air inhaled and exhaled.