Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common complication of overheating tissues during diathermy?

1. Hemostasis

2. Burns

3. Infection

4. Tissue necrosis

The correct answer is: Burns

Burns are a common complication of overheating tissues during diathermy. Diathermy involves the use of electromagnetic energy to generate heat within body tissues, which can be beneficial for surgical procedures but requires precise control of the temperature. If the tissues are overheated, the cells can suffer thermal damage, leading to burns. Burns may result in immediate pain and damage to the skin and underlying tissues, possibly affecting the healing process and increasing the risk of infection in the area. Proper technique and monitoring are vital to avoid this complication, as maintaining the appropriate temperature is essential for safe and effective diathermy use. Understanding this potential complication highlights the importance of careful patient management and monitoring during surgical procedures that involve diathermy to prevent adverse outcomes.