Laser Ablation Energy Settings for Varicose Veins

A nurse is preparing a patient for a therapeutic procedure involving laser ablation to treat varicose veins. Before the procedure, it is crucial to educate the patient on what to expect and the associated risks. During the education session, the patient expresses concern about the potential for skin damage due to the laser energy.

The nurse explains that although laser ablation is generally safe, skin burns can occur if the energy is improperly calibrated or safety measures are not adhered to. To minimize risk and ensure successful treatment, the nurse states that the laser's energy should be set to approximately __________ per square centimeter of the targeted area.