Understanding Surgical Safety Hazards

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to safety hazards in the surgical environment, including physical, electrical, fire, and chemical hazards.

Physical Hazards

Types of safety risks that can cause physical harm or injury in the surgical environment.

Ionizing Radiation

A type of radiation that cannot be seen or felt and can have therapeutic or harmful effects on patients and the surgical team.

Lead Apron

A protective garment worn by patients to shield their bodies from harmful ionizing radiation.

Fluoroscopy

A medical imaging technique that uses ionizing radiation to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of a patient.

Grounding System

A safety feature that includes components such as a three-pronged plug to prevent electrical shocks.

Electrical Shock

Injury caused by electric current passing through the body, potentially resulting from damaged electrical equipment.

Electrosurgical Unit (ESU)

A device that uses high-frequency electrical currents to cut tissue or stop bleeding during surgery.

Static Electricity

Electric charge that accumulates on an object, which can pose a risk of ignition in a surgical environment.

Halon

A type of fire extinguisher that is non-toxic and typically used during laser surgeries.

Smoke Plume

A hazardous byproduct created when a laser beam strikes tissue, containing potentially infectious agents.

Neutral Zone

A designated area in the OR where sharps can be placed safely to prevent needle stick injuries.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Protective clothing or equipment worn by healthcare workers to mitigate exposure to hazards.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which provides guidelines on healthcare safety and infection control.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Documents that contain information on the hazards, handling, and emergency measures related to hazardous chemicals.

Formalin

A preservative used for tissue specimens meant for pathology,

Electrosurgical Plume

The smoke created during electrosurgery that can irritate mucous membranes and pose health risks.

AAMI

Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, which establishes standards for safety in healthcare.

ANSI

American National Standards Institute, which promotes voluntary consensus standards in various technical fields.