Lange Ch 31 Occupational Hazards / Fire Safety

Excessive exposure to radiation can affect the:

• integumentary system
• brain
• reproductive organs
• stomach

Radiation exposure of the staff is monitored with:

• a homing device
• a Holter monitor
• film badges
• a notation on each operative record

Ionizing radiation protection is afforded by the use of:

• iron
• ebonized coating
• zinc
• lead

*Direct coupling occurs when:

• bipolar high frequency, low voltage, and physical pressure seal a bleeding vessel
• the dispersive electrode is not placed properly and the result is a burn
• the tip of the active electrode comes in contact with another instrument or con- ductor causing a burn
• the ESU causes interference with an implanted electronic device and causes the device to malfunction

An OR hazard that has been linked to increased risk of spontaneous abortion in female OR employees is exposure to:

• x-ray control
• radium
• sterilization agents
• waste anesthetic gas

While using this mixture, a scavenging sys­tem is used to collect and exhaust or absorb its vapors. It is called:

• glutaraldehyde
• polypropylene
• methyl methacrylate
• halon

The best measure for staff protection against HIV is:

• handling all needles and sharps carefully
• using barriers to avoid direct contact with blood and body fluids
• immunization of all staff with vaccine
• Both A and B

*Precautions and guidelines for lasers include all EXCEPT:

• lasers should be locked when not in use
• laser warning signs should be posted on the front door of the OR suite where the laser is being used
• instructions for laser use should be posted on every machine so that new unexperienced staff has guidelines to fol- low and prevent injuries
• lasers can be used to destroy / vaporize tissue for dissection and to seal vessels

How is inhalation of the laser plume best prevented?

• Double mask worn by scrub team
• Filter on suction
• Laser on standby whenever possible
• Mechanical smoke evacuator on field

What components are required for a fire and are found in an OR setting?

• O2
• Fuel
• Source ofignition
• All of the above