Description should include a definition of hemostasis and methods of hemostasis, such as the following:
- Mechanical (use of surgical instruments, such as clamps or ligatures, or other means, such as sponges or suctioning equipment)
- Thermal (use of heat, such as laser beams or electrosurgery procedures)
- Chemical (use of substances such as collagen, silver nitrate, epinephrine)
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are some preexisting conditions that can cause a patient to bleed during surgery? Among preexisting conditions, what is the difference between a hemostatic defect and a hemostatic disorder? In these cases, what techniques may be used to accomplish hemostasis?
- What types of surgical situations typically call for hemostasis? How is hemostasis generally accomplished for each?
- What is the relationship between the patient’s preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit and intraoperative hemostasis?