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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4 | S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
Three-stage systems include a pre-fil-
ter that captures large particles, an
ULPA filter that captures smaller parti-
cle components and a special charcoal
filter that captures toxic chemicals.
These systems normally have variable
suction volume capacities to accommo-
date different levels of smoke produc-
tion. An effective portable evacuation
system should be able to pull 30 to 50
cubic feet of smoke per minute.
Inhaled smoke plume particles less than 2
micrometers in diameter are deposited in the __________.
a.
bronchioles and alveoli
b.
nose and pharynx
c.
trachea and bronchus
Answer:
a
In order to be airborne, the particle has to be smaller than 100 micrometers in
diameter. Particles larger than 5 micrometers are deposited on the walls of the
nose, pharynx, trachea and bronchus. If they're smaller than 2 micrometers,
they get deposited in the bronchioles and alveoli — the gas exchange region of
the lungs.
The smoke produced by
high-frequency electrosurgical units is _______.
S U R G I C A L S M O K E
NO SMOKING It's important to use
a smoke evacuator during any
surgery that produces plume.
Vangie
Dennis,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR,
CMLSO
