Author Question: A pregnant woman has a malignant melanoma on her leg, and will need surgery. She is concerned about ... (Read 65 times)

laurencescou · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A pregnant woman has a malignant melanoma on her leg, and will need surgery. She is concerned about anesthesia. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. You will probably have an epidural, and this won't harm your baby.
2. There are newer general anesthetics available that are safe for your baby.
3. You will most likely have local anesthesia; this will not affect your baby.
4. Inhalation anesthetics are safe because they remain in your lungs.

Question 2

Which patient is most likely to experience an adverse reaction to inhalation anesthesia?

1. A 15-year-old with diabetes mellitus
2. A 6-year-old with no chronic health problems
3. A 79-year-old with arteriosclerosis
4. A 55-year-old with a serious neck injury

jliusyl · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Local anesthetics are most commonly used to remove lesions. They stay in the treatment area and do not impact the baby. There are not any general anesthetics that are considered safe, and this patient will most likely have local anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia is not indicated in this situation. Inhalation anesthesia is not indicated in this situation, and even though it remains primarily in the lungs, it can affect the baby.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: The elderly are more sensitive to the effects of inhalation anesthesia and arteriosclerosis indicates that other organs may not be healthy. Adolescents are similar to adults in risk factors associated with inhalation anesthesia; they are not at high risk for an adverse reaction. Children are more sensitive to inhalation anesthesia than adults, but this 6 year-old child is healthy and so should not be at high risk for an adverse reaction. Adults are usually considered safe for inhalation anesthesia and the neck injury is not a contraindication to anesthesia.