Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

Lasers are primarily classified as non-ionizing radiation. This classification signifies that the energy emitted by lasers does not possess enough energy to strip electrons from atoms or molecules, hence they do not have the potential to cause ionization in biological tissues. Non-ionizing radiation includes a variety of forms, such as visible light, infrared, and radio waves, all of which are utilized in various applications, including medical and surgical procedures involving lasers.

While lasers can emit electromagnetic radiation, which encompasses both ionizing and non-ionizing spectrums, the specific nature of laser output is generally within the non-ionizing range, especially in clinical settings where lasers are used for surgery, tissue cutting, and cauterization without the risk of ionization-related damage. Thus, identifying lasers as non-ionizing provides clarity on their operational safety and biological effects, particularly in the context of their use in the operating room.