Elena is a 37-year-old woman who is scheduled for a vaginal hysterectomy after a positive Pap smear returned with results suggestive of cancer. While in the holding area of the operating room suite,...

Elena is a 37-year-old woman who is scheduled for a vaginal hysterectomy after a positive Pap smear returned with results suggestive of cancer. While in the holding area of the operating room suite, she states that she is fearful of general anaesthesia. The preoperative nurse caring for this patient notices that she is very anxious. Upon further assessment and conversation, she states that her mother died of breast cancer when she was young. The patient’s vital signs are as follows: blood pressure 138/88 mmHg, temperature 36.3°C (97.4°F), pulse 94 beats/min, and respiration 20 breaths/ min. She denies pain and states that she is concerned she will wake up during the surgery. She is to receive balanced anaesthesia.

1. In your own words, how would you describe balanced anaesthesia to Elena?

2. How does nitrous oxide differ from IV anesthetic agents?

3. How should the nurse educate a patient regarding the use of IV propofol?