Argon Plasma Coagulation in Flexible Endoscopy Post Test

The following questions will be Multiple Choice and True/False. Please choose the word or phrase that best completes the following statements.

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In monopolar electrosurgery, the ______ components complete the electrical circuit.

a. Generator

b. Patient

c. Active electrode

d. Neutral electrode

e. All of the above

Electrosurgery operates at high frequencies of over 100,000 Hz, which is also the frequency at which:

a. Cardiac arrest can occur

b. Nerve and muscle stimulation ceases

c. Nerve and muscle stimulation are initiated

d. Ventricular fibrillation occurs

Three variables that impact the tissue effects of APC are:

a. Power setting, electrosurgery mode, tissue type

b. Power setting, waveform, length of exposure

c. Waveform, nutritional status of the patient, type of procedure

d. Waveform, type of ESU system, use of APC

e. Application time, distance to tissue, settings

APC allows _____ to be transferred to the targeted tissue as ionized argon gas.

a. Electrical current

b. Ionized air

c. Ionized energy

d. Sound waves

The heat energy produced in APC evaporates intracellular and extracellular water and denatures protein, thereby producing:

a. Impedance

b. The coagulative/ablative effect on the tissue

c. The plasma state

d. All of the above

Folch, et al. concluded that APC should only be done using a direct contact fashion with the shortest pulse duration and lowest gas flow rate in order to minimize the risk of complications.

a. True

b. False

The benefits of APC include:

1. Depth of coagulation is limited.
2. Energy is applied in a controlled, gradual manner.
3. Non-contact application.
4. Lateral tissue damage is low.

a. 1, 2, 3

b. 1, 3, 4

c. 2, 3, 4

d. All of the above

Application of APC can be axial, lateral or circumferential.

a. True

b. False

A neutral electrode is not required for APC.

a. True

b. False

10.

In an APC system, the ESU must provide sufficient _____ to initiate ionization of the argon gas.

a. Current

b. Frequency

c. Impedance

d. Voltage

11.

The endoscopic argon plasma probe typically consists of a polytetrafluoroethylene tube and a tungsten electrode located in the probe.

a. True

b. False

12.

All safety measures for the use of monopolar electrosurgery must be implemented when using APC.

a. True

b. False

13.

Purging air in some systems from the argon gas line before use is important in order to minimize the risk of:

a. Alternate site burn

b. Excessive charring

c. Gas embolism

d. Surgical smoke

14.

The flow of argon gas should be set to the highest level in order to produce the desired clinical effect quickly.

a. True

b. False

15.

In their study of APC in the treatment of patients with chronic radiation proctitis, Swan, et al. concluded that APC:

1. Was successful in patients who had failed other therapies
2. Was not successful in patients who had failed other therapies
3. Resulted in an increased number of treatments
4. Resulted in a reduced number of treatments
5. Resulted in an increased incidence of short-term complications
6. Demonstrated no long-term complications

a. 1, 3, 4, 6

b. 1, 4, 5, 6

c. 2, 3, 5, 6

d. 2, 4, 5, 6

16.

In the treatment of tumor in-growth into metal mesh stents, short activations of APC are effective because the plasma is attracted to the tumor tissue, not to the stent.

a. True

b. False

17.

One of the advantages of using APC in the treatment of GAVE is its limited depth of penetration, which decreases the risk of perforation.

a. True

b. False

18.

Preoperatively, a full colonoscopy preparation is necessary for patients undergoing APC in order to reduce the risk of:

a. Entrapment of carbon dioxide gas

b. Gas embolism

c. Explosion

d. All of the above

19.

During the endoscopic procedure using APC, the disposable probe should be visually inspected prior to use.

a. True

b. False

20.

Post-procedure nursing care includes:

a. Monitoring vital signs

b. Inspecting the patient’s skin

c. Assessing the patient’s pain or discomfort level

d. All of the above

1 out of 20

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