SURGICAL SMOKE is a part of the environment during operative and invasive procedures. As lasers and electrosurgery have become commonplace, perioperative practitioners are at increased risk for health concerns associated with exposure to surgical smoke.
SINCE THE MID 1970s, the body of evidence documenting the hazardous components of surgical smoke has continued to grow. Despite the evidence and recommendations of a variety of organizations, there are no uniform requirements mandating surgical smoke evacuation.
indicates that continuing education contact hours are available for this activity. Earn the contact hours by reading this article and taking the examination on pages 735–736 and then completing the answer sheet and learner evaluation on pages 737–738.
The behavioral objectives and examination for this program were prepared by Rebecca Holm, RN, MSN, CNOR, clinical editor, with consultation from Susan Bakewell, RN, MS, BC, director, Center for Perioperative Education. Ms Holm and Ms Bakewell have no declared affiliations that could be perceived as potential conflicts of interest in publishing this article.
This program meets criteria for CNOR and CRNFA recertification, as well as other continuing education requirements.
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1Brenda C. Ulmer, RN, MN, CNOR, is a senior clinical educator at Valleylab/Covidien, Boulder, CO. As an employee of Valleylab/Covidien, Ms Ulmer has declared she has an affiliation that could be perceived as posing a potential conflict of interest in publishing this article.
ABSTRACT
The Hazards of Surgical Smoke
indicates that continuing education contact hours are available for this activity. Earn the contact hours by reading this article and taking the examination on pages 735–736 and then completing the answer sheet and learner evaluation on pages 737–738.