A patient scheduled to undergo total knee replacement surgery ...

[appyboo]

A patient scheduled to undergo total knee replacement surgery under general anesthesia asks the nurse, Will the doctor put me to sleep with a mask over my face? Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  a. A drug may be given to you through your IV line first. I will check with the anesthesia care provider.
  b. Only your surgeon can tell you for sure what method of anesthesia will be used. Should I ask your surgeon?
  c. General anesthesia is now given by injecting medication into your veins, so you will not need a mask over your face.
  d. Masks are not used anymore for anesthesia. A tube will be inserted into your throat to deliver a gas that will put you to sleep.

Question 2

Which action best describes how the scrub nurse maintains aseptic technique during surgery?
 
  a. Uses waterproof shoe covers
  b. Wears personal protective equipment
  c. Insists that all operating room (OR) staff perform a surgical scrub
  d. Changes gloves after touching the upper arm of the surgeon's gown

[marict]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Routine general anesthesia is usually induced by the IV route with a hypnotic, anxiolytic, or dissociative agent. However, general anesthesia may be induced by IV or by inhalation. The nurse should consult with the anesthesia care provider to determine the method selected for this patient. The anesthesia care provider will select the method of anesthesia, not the surgeon. Inhalation agents may be given through an endotracheal tube or a laryngeal mask airway.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The sleeves of a sterile surgical gown are considered sterile only to 2 inches above the elbows, so touching the surgeon's upper arm would contaminate the nurse's gloves. Shoe covers are not sterile. Personal protective equipment is designed to protect caregivers, not the patient, and is not part of aseptic technique. Staff members such as the circulating nurse do not have to perform a surgical scrub before entering the OR.