Chapter 5 Exam - 1000

Ablation

Vaporization of tissue using a combination of bipolar current and plasma technology.

Active electrode

Delivers electrical current into tissue, creating heat (thermal energy). Example of this is the Bovie pencil.

Bipolar

Current flows between two tips of the instrument, no return electrode (grounding pad) needed.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The “brain” of the computer; coordinates operations, manages systems, and handles data with memory.

Circuit

The path that electricity travels between an energy source and its usage device(s).

Conductors

Materials that allow the flow of free electrons

Current

The flow of electric charge or the rate of flow of electrons.

Dispersive pad (patient return electrode)

Grounding padused to safely return electrical current during medical procedures.

Electricity

The free electrons moving or flowing from the outermost (valence) shell of one atom to another.

EHR (Electronic Health Record)

Offers a broader view of patient’s care to share information secruely with other healthcare providers.

EMR (Electronic medical record)

Digital version of the patient’s chart that contains medical and treatment history.

Electrosurgery

The application of AC (alternating current) through tissue to coagulate or cut.

Electrosurgical Unit (ESU)

A device used to generate electrical current for electrosurgery, allowing for tissue cutting and coagulation. Ex - Bovie

Insulators

Materials that do not conduct electricity, preventing current flow.

Lasers

The process of converting some form of energy into light energy.

Monopolar

Electrical current which flows from the ESU to the active electrode, through the return electrode to complete the circiut

Safety Data Sheets

Safety and handling information regarding the chemicals and solutions used in the healthcare facility.

Ultrasonic

Mechanical vibrations using sound wave frequencies.

Voltage

The potential energy of electrons or the electric charge at any given time between two points.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system, including the monitor, keyboard, and internal parts.

Software

A set of instructions or programs that enable a computer or system to perform specific tasks.

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)

A technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects, enabling wireless data exchange.

Uses of RFID in the healthcare setting

RFID is used in healthcare for tracking equipment, managing inventory, patient identification, and improving medication administration accuracy.

Three-prong plug

1st prong = positive
2nd prong = negative
3rd prong = ground

Flow of DC (Direct Current)

One direction from negative to positive

Flow of AC (alternating current)

Electric current that reverses direction periodically, flowing first in one direction and then the other.

DC Components

Source = battery
Conductor = wire
Control = switch or circuit breaker
Load = bulb/heater

Isolated power system (IPS)

A standalone electrical system that prevents overloads and fires in the OR.

Color of IPS status panel when it is ‘Safe’

Green

Color of IPS status panel when the last device plugged in should be unplugged

Red

Electrosurgery system for both coagulation and cutting

Monopolar

Electrosurgery system for coagulation only

Bipolar

Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC)

Argon gas —> plasma beam. Safer, less plume, less tissue damage

Harmonic scalpel

Ultrasonic surgical device that uses high-frequency vibrations to cut tissue and coagulate blood vessels while minimizing thermal damage.

CUSA (Cavitron Ultasonic Surgical Aspiration)

Ultrasonic, breaks down tumors. Preserves vessels (used in brain/liver surgery).

What does laser stand for?

Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Visible spectrum of laser

400-700nm

Are shorter or longer wavelengths more dangerous?

Shorter wavelengths are more dangerous and have higher energy.