Nurse: I’m here to prep you for your procedure. Did the doctor already talk to you about the general anesthetic you’ll be getting?
Bruce: I don’t need a general anesthetic. I want to be conscious during the procedure.
Nurse: You’ll be inhaling a general anesthetic and getting an intravenous muscle relaxant. That’s standard for this procedure.
Bruce: I’m not a wimp. Tell the doctor all I need is a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Nurse: You’ll need something stronger. You don’t want to feel any sensation or pain during the procedure.
Bruce: I’m not afraid of a little pain. Bring it on!
Nurse: Anyway, the general anesthetic will wear off soon after the procedure. However, the doctor will keep you under sedation for the rest of the day so you can rest.
Bruce: Forget it. When it’s done, I’m going home. I’m not staying here overnight.
Nurse: That’s not advisable. You need to remain under observation for 24 hours.
Bruce: That’s for other people. I’m tough. I’ll be up and ready to go. What’s that needle for?
Nurse: It’s to give you a shot before your procedure.
Bruce: I don’t like needles. Get that away from me!
