CSFA Surgical Equipment and Technology Flashcards

Which biological indicator organism is used to verify steam sterilization cycles?

Answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus

Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are highly resistant to moist heat and are the standard steam and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma challenge.

For immediate-use steam sterilization of an unwrapped, nonporous metal instrument in a gravity-displacement sterilizer, the minimum exposure is:

Answer: 132°C (270°F) for 3 minutes

Nonporous, unwrapped items in a gravity cycle require at least 3 minutes at 132°C (270°F).

During laser surgery of the airway, the endotracheal tube cuff should be inflated with:

Answer: Saline tinted with methylene blue

Saline absorbs laser energy and the dye makes a cuff puncture immediately visible, reducing airway fire risk.

While the surgeon changes instruments, the fiberoptic light cable is disconnected from the laparoscope and left on the drapes. The best action is to:

Answer: Place the light source in standby mode

An active light cable tip can reach temperatures high enough to ignite drapes or burn the patient, so it must be in standby when not connected.

An argon beam coagulator is especially useful for diffuse bleeding from the liver surface, but it carries an increased risk of:

Answer: Gas embolism

Pressurized argon gas can enter open venous channels, so flow and tip-to-tissue distance must be controlled.

What is the main advantage of a 30-degree rigid laparoscope over a 0-degree scope?

Answer: It allows viewing around structures by rotating the scope

The angled lens lets the operator change the field of view by rotating the scope, so structures can be seen from different angles.

Where should the dispersive electrode for monopolar electrosurgery ideally be placed?

Answer: Over a well-vascularized muscle mass close to the operative site

Well-perfused muscle near the operative site gives low impedance, a short current path, and good heat dispersion.