Assignment task:
Q1. Discuss the difference between a bipolar circuit and a monopolar circuit.
Q2. Why do you place the patient return electrode over a large muscle mass?
Q3. What is active electrode monitoring (AEM)?
Q4. What kinds of electrosurgery require a patient return electrode?
Q5. Why does n't the patient experience a cardiac arrest when electrosurgical procedures are used?
Q6. What is the effect of impedance of electricity as it flows through a conductive medium?
Q7. What is cryoablation?
Q8. Why does eschar on the active electrode create a hazard?
Q9. What does the acronym laser stand for?
Q10. What precautions are needed during laser surgery of the throat?
Q11. A colleague asks you why the laser goggles are not color coded. What would you say?
Case Studies
Case 1
You are in a hurry to pass through a surgical suite where Nd:YAG laser surgery is in progress. You do not use protective eyewear, even though goggles are hanging on the door outside. You enter the room and turn your head away from the patient as you proceed to the other door. Just to be safe, you close your eyes for a few moments until you reach the door. Are you safe?
Case 2
You are asked to bring a 16-year-old from the holding area for surgery. When you arrive, you see that she has a metal ring through her lip. You explain to her that it is a hazard during electrosurgery. She tells you she cannot take it out because there is no way to remove it. How will you handle this situation?
Case 3
You are scrubbed during an emergency laparotomy in which monopolar electrosurgery is used extensively. Midway through the case, you notice that the power cord to the electrosurgical unit has been plugged into an extension cord to which the cardiac monitor is also connected. What should you do?
Case 4
You are at the scrub sink, preparing for an eye procedure in which laser surgery will be used. The surgeon's assistant is next to you at the sink. You notice that he is wearing a metal necklace. Can he tuck it into his scrub shirt?
Case 5
During surgery in which you are scrubbed, the surgeon asks you to hold a clamp that he has just placed over a vessel bundle. He proceeds to buzz the clamp. You suddenly feel a sharp burning pain on the hand holding the clamp. What caused this? What should you do?