| Popis: |
This chapter discusses how theatre nurse works the diathermy machine. Understanding the machine is essential to the practical nurse working in the operating theatre. The machine is to provide for the surgeon electrocoagulation to seal off blood vessels and cut or cauterize tissue. Two electrodes are required, an active one for the surgeon's use and an indifferent electrode (the pad) applied to the surface of the patient's body. Both electrodes are connected to the machine. Flexes should be long enough to reach the patient and the operating site. Avoid any need for pulling or straining as this could result in disconnection or loosening of the wire. The power is regulated by control knobs either for cutting or coagulating current. Activation only occurs when the foot pedal is pressed. Usually this electrode is a lead pad with the cable attachment. If the cable is not molded on to the pad, care must be taken that the pad and cable are firm and secure. Any wrinkling or ridging must be ironed out. The pad is usually applied to the side opposite to that of the proposed operation. The site is chosen, the apparatus is prepared, and the nurse applies the pad. The pad is never applied to a bony surface or over a previous scar but to a fleshy part of the patient's body. Only trained staff should be involved in the application of diathermy. |
