Reference no: EM133008749

Mary Jones is a 64-year-old woman scheduled for a lumbar 4-5 discectomy. She is 5'2" and weighs 210 lbs. She has a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD) and used to smoke 1 pack of cigarettes per day for 20 years, but quit smoking 25 years ago. She has a past surgical history of a cholecystectomy in 1997 with no complications.

• She currently takes the following medications: Insulin 4 units Regular every AM, subcutaneous. Lisinopril 20 mg every day, PO. Aspirin 325 mg every day, PO.

Question 1) As the sterile field is being prepared for Mrs. Jones' procedure, the circulating nurse prepares a chemical hemostasis agent, thrombin. What is thrombin? How does it work to produce hemostasis? What special considerations should the RN take when transferring thrombin to the sterile field? Should the circulator anticipate any other hemostatic products? (3 points)

Question 2) What is the difference between monopolar and bipolar electrodes? What nursing considerations would you have for the use of each?