Electrosurgery Competency Assessment Module - Book Review

AORN Journal, Dec, 2002 by Colleen Lindell

By Rosemari C. Moss 2000, 64 pp $50 paperback

This competency assessment module is written and reviewed by CNORs and is designed for health care professionals, primarily circulating nurses, who need a basic understanding of and skills for safely using electrosurgical equipment. The module presents an overview of the principles of electricity, the application of electrosurgery to various types of surgical procedures, including endoscopy, and the effects of electrosurgery on tissue.

The circulating nurse's responsibility of ensuring the safe use of electrosurgical devices is discussed, along with instruction regarding medical record documentation of electrosurgical equipment use. Five case studies are presented to allow readers to apply learned concepts in a standardized format. Tables include

* intraoperative troubleshooting guidelines,

* a checklist of electrosurgical use/safety measures,

* a sample policy regarding electrosurgery use in the OR,

* a list of chemical by-products of pyrolysis, and

* a sample smoke evacuation policy.

The book also contains 50 review questions and an answer key. Two and one-half contact hours can be earned at a cost of $25. The examination will expire in October 2003. Although the module is designed for nurses who need a basic understanding of and skills regarding electrosurgery, it is an excellent review for practicing and experienced circulating nurses.

This book is available from CBPN, 2170 S Parker Rd, Suite 295, Denver, CO 80231; http://www.certboard.org.

COLLEEN LINDELL
RN, MHSA, CLNC
STAFF NURSE
REGIONS HOSPITAL
ST PAUL