Intravenous and inhalational agents mnemonic

Stages of general anaesthesia described by Guedel

The mnemonic

Always Do Surgery Meticulously

What each word stands for

  • AlwaysStage I — analgesia
  • DoStage II — delirium or excitement
  • SurgeryStage III — surgical anaesthesia
  • MeticulouslyStage IV — medullary depression

Why it matters clinically

Stage II carries the risk of laryngospasm, vomiting and arrhythmias, so it is passed through quickly.

Where it stops being reliable

Classically seen with ether; modern agents and IV induction pass through the stages rapidly.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Intravenous and inhalational agents mnemonic?

Always Do Surgery Meticulously. It helps you recall: Stages of general anaesthesia described by Guedel.

What does "Always" stand for?

Stage I — analgesia

What does "Do" stand for?

Stage II — delirium or excitement

What does "Surgery" stand for?

Stage III — surgical anaesthesia

What are all the parts of the Always Do Surgery Meticulously mnemonic?

Always: Stage I — analgesia; Do: Stage II — delirium or excitement; Surgery: Stage III — surgical anaesthesia; Meticulously: Stage IV — medullary depression.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Intravenous and inhalational agents in Anaesthesia.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Classically seen with ether; modern agents and IV induction pass through the stages rapidly.

How is this useful clinically?

Stage II carries the risk of laryngospasm, vomiting and arrhythmias, so it is passed through quickly.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anaesthesia question about Intravenous and inhalational agents.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.