Why do anesthesiologists ask us to count back from 10 before going under?

Question

I understand they want to know when we pass out, but why count backwards from 10? Why not count forward from 1?

In: 2183

Answer 1

I had surgery earlier this month. They didn’t count down. They asked me questions. They asked me where I worked, then they asked what I do. I saw my vision getting fuzzy, so I said, “Why? You guys don’t care. Goodbye.” and went out.

When they masked me, they said, “We’re just gunna give you some oxygen.” I knew what was up, but I had told them I was anxious, so I guess that was a slick move.