Journal Article

Implementing AORN Recommended Practices for Electrosurgery

Braswell, Melanie L., Spruce, Lisa

2012

Overview

Technology is constantly changing, and it is important for perioperative nurses to stay current on new products and technologies in the perioperative setting. AORN's “Recommended practices for electrosurgery” addresses safety standards that all perioperative personnel should follow to minimize risks to both patients and staff members during the use of electrosurgical devices. Recommendations include how to select electrosurgical units and accessories for purchase, how to minimize the potential for patient and staff member injuries, what precautions to take during minimally invasive surgery, and how to avoid surgical smoke hazards. The recommendations also address education/competency, documentation, policies and procedures, and quality assurance/performance improvement. Perioperative nurses should consider the use of checklists and safety posters to remind staff members of the dangers of electrosurgery and the steps to take to minimize the risks for injury.

• Publisher: Elsevier Inc,John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subject: active electrode / argon enhanced coagulation technology / Argon Plasma Coagulation - standards / bipolar active electrode / Diathermy - standards / dispersive electrode / Education / Electrical equipment / Electrodes / electrosurgery / Electrosurgery - standards / electrosurgical unit / ESU / Humans / Injuries / Intraoperative Complications - prevention & control / Laparoscopy / Medical equipment / minimally invasive surgery / MIS / monopolar electrosurgery / Nurses / Patient safety / Perioperative / Perioperative Nursing - standards / Practice Guidelines as Topic / Risk factors / Safety Management / Safety standards / Smoke - prevention & control / Surgery / Surgical apparatus & instruments / Surgical Equipment - standards / surgical smoke / ultrasonic device