While undergoing major surgery, patients are anaesthetised so they don’t feel any pain. The anaesthetic is often administered as a gas through a face mask that covers the nose and mouth.

Are the following human systems involved in the action of anaesthetic gases? Circle Yes” or “No” for each system.

Code 1: All three correct: No, Yes, Yes, in that order.

Code 0: Other responses.

Code 9: Missing.

Explain why surgical instruments used in operating theatres are sterilized.

................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

Code 21: Student mentions both the need to ensure that there are no bacteria/germs on the instruments AND that this stops the spread of disease.

To stop bacteria getting in the body and infecting the patient.

So that no germs get into the body of another person going in for major surgery.

Code 12: Student mentions the need to ensure that there are no bacteria, BUT not that this stops the spread of disease.

To kill the germs on them.

Code 11: Student mentions that this stops the spread of disease, BUT not that it is because any bacteria on the instruments are killed.

So the patient is not infected.

To prevent any transfer of disease.

Code 01: Other responses

To keep them clean.

Because patients are vulnerable during surgery.

Code 99: Missing.

Patients may be unable to eat and drink after surgery and so they are put on a drip (infusion) that contains water, sugars and mineral salts. Sometimes antibiotics and tranquillisers are also added to the drip.

Why are the sugars that are added to the drip important for the post-operative patient?

A To avoid dehydration

B To control post-operative pain

C To cure post-operative infections

D To provide necessary nutrition

Code 1: D. To provide necessary nutrition

Code 0: Other responses.

Code 9: Missing.

Organ transplants involve major surgery and are becoming more and more common.In the graph below, the numbers of transplants carried out in a particular hospital during 2003 are given.

Code 1: All three correct: No, No, Yes in that order.

Code 0: Other responses.

Code 9: Missing.