Lasers
What benefit(s) do lasers provide during surgery?
Lasers provide multiple benefits when performing surgery including decrease in postoperative pain, decrease in postoperative surgical site infections, improved wound healing, precise cutting, and reduction in blood loss.1
What is considered solid waste by HDO standards?
Solid waste: General trash that is non-regulated medical waste.
Who establishes the patient and surgical personnel safety standards for ESU?
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation's (AAMI)
Name one code of ethics
POSITION STATEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
To maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and patient care.
To hold in confidence with respect to the patient’s beliefs, all personal matters.
To respect and protect the patient’s legal and moral rights to quality patient care.
To not knowingly cause injury or any injustice to those entrusted to our care.
To work with fellow technologists and other professional health groups to promote harmony and unity for better patient care.
To always follow the principles of asepsis.
To maintain a high degree of efficiency through continuing education.
To maintain and practice surgical technology willingly, with pride and dignity.
To report any unethical conduct or practice to the proper authority.
To adhere to the Code of Ethics at all times in relationship to all members of the health care team.
What principle was developed to reduce patient and health care worker (HCW) exposure to X-rays
ALARA
What organizations are involved with the development of laser standards?
Several organizations have been involved in the development of laser standards including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), Laser Institute of America (LIA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
What qualifies as Universal Waste?
Universal waste: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Universal Waste Rule; under this rule specific hazardous waste items, such as batteries and bulbs, are not as strictly regulated and do not have to be included in the HDOs total hazardous waste poundage to encourage recycling of these waste materials.
How can a CST further their knowledge and skills in the proper use of the ESU and accessories?
Continuing Education
What is the primary focus of all surgical team members?
The primary focus of all surgical team members is to provide a seamless, safe and efficient surgical experience with a positive patient outcome.
Name one out of several regulatory agencies that establish the various guidelines, recommendations and mandatory policies related to the use of X-rays.
These RSOPs reflect the research of the following agencies’ publications: American College of Radiology (ACR); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Radiation Safety Committee; Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD); International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP); National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP); and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
What are precautions that need to be considered for laser use?
Precautions during laser use, for example, covering reflective surfaces, donning proper LPE, laser plume management, and preventing electrical hazards.
Who oversees the green efforts for HDO?
Guideline II The HDO should organize a Green or Sustainability Leadership Committee (SLC) that is responsible for overseeing the green efforts of the HDO.
What does PRE stand for?
Patient Return Electrode
Team players need to learn and refine their skills in ______, _______ and consensual decision-making.
Team players need to learn and refine their skills in communication, conflict negotiation and resolution and consensual decision-making.
Who provides guidelines and/or standards on how the inspections of X-Ray protective equipment should be conducted
the commission does not provide guidelines and/or standards on how the inspections should be conducted, leaving it up to the facilities to design and schedule safety tests.
What organization is responsible for completing a laser hazard evaluation?
The LSO is responsible for completing a laser hazard evaluation prior to the initial use of a new health care laser system
Where can the goal of conservation of water be obtainable within the Operating Room?
Promote conservation of water, particularly at the scrub sink
Placement of the grounding pad prior to positioning of the patient can cause ____
Placement of the grounding pad prior to positioning of the patient can cause dislodgement, gaps or tunneling effect allowing moisture to collect under the PRE as well as contribute to patient burns due to lack of complete contact with the skin.
Surgical Technologists are considered subject matter experts (SME) within the subject of sterility, what other departments can refer to STs regarding sterility training?
Diagnostic Imaging Department, procedures performed in the Emergency Department, and endoscopic procedures in the Endoscopy Unit
What cleaning devices should be used to clean leaded shield devices?
Recommendations for cleaning devices include using cold water and a mild detergent solution, but do not use solvents, including bleach that would affect nylon fabric, urethane, polyvinyl chloride or manmade rubbers.
LTCA stands for:
laser treatment controlled area (LTCA)
How many categories of medical waste should the surgery personnel know?
Surgery personnel should know the five categories of medical waste that require different disposal procedures based on federal guidelines: general waste (eg, paper and unsoiled linens), infectious and pathologic (eg, tissues and body fluids), pharmaceuticals, radioactive waste and sharps.
What substance cannot be used to clean the electrical cords of the ESU?
Isopropyl or ethyl alcohol should not be used to clean the electrical cord since the solution can dry out the outer insulation which can lead to cracks.
Principle I: A sterile field is created for each surgical procedure;
Principle II: Sterile team members must be appropriately attired prior to entering the sterile field;
Principle III: Movement in and around the sterile field must not compromise the field.
Where must surgery personnel place radiation monitors during a fluoroscopy?
Surgery personnel, who are regularly exposed to fluoroscopy should wear a minimum of one radiation monitor placed on the collar of the surgical gown at neck level outside the thyroid shield and above the lead apron.