General anesthesia involves inducing a reversible state of unconsciousness through various stages of sedation. There are 4 stages of anesthesia ranging from analgesia and conscious sedation to respiratory paralysis. Different concentrations of nitrous oxide (N2O) produce varying levels of sedation and analgesia. Patient position after general anesthesia depends on their condition, with lateral, reclined, or supine positions used depending on needs like recovery from syncope or cervical spine injury.