Programme For International Student Assessment Pisa / Sample Science Passage 14: Major Surgery


Major surgery, performed in specially equipped operating theatres, is necessary to treat many diseases. 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.

Non MCQ-type Questions:

1. Explain why surgical instruments used in operating theatres are sterilised.

2. Which system is involved in the action of anaesthetic gases?

 



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?

To cure post-operative infections
To control post-operative pain
To avoid dehydration
To provide necessary nutrition