Basics Flashcards
7 cards from real Certified Surgical Technologist practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Basics flashcards as text
The Trendelenburg position places the patient:
Answer: Supine with the head tilted downward and feet elevated
Trendelenburg position is supine with the head down and feet up, commonly used for lower abdominal and pelvic surgeries.
Which type of wound closure uses staples or sutures placed through all layers of the abdominal wall?
Answer: Retention (tension) sutures
Retention (tension) sutures are large sutures placed through all layers of the abdominal wall to prevent wound dehiscence in high-risk patients.
Flash sterilization (IUSS) is best described as:
Answer: Rapid steam sterilization of unwrapped instruments for immediate use
Immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS/flash) uses high-temperature steam on unwrapped items intended for immediate use, not for storage.
Which instrument is used to retract the liver during upper abdominal procedures?
Answer: Deaver retractor
The Deaver retractor is a large, curved, handheld retractor commonly used to retract the liver and other large organs.
The 'sterile conscience' principle means the surgical technologist must:
Answer: Report all contamination events, even self-caused ones, immediately
A sterile conscience requires every team member to immediately report any break in sterile technique, regardless of who caused it.
Which dressing type is most appropriate for a wound with heavy exudate?
Answer: Alginate dressing
Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and ideal for wounds with heavy drainage, as they form a gel on contact with exudate.
Standard surgical attire in the semi-restricted OR area requires:
Answer: Scrub suit, surgical cap covering all hair, and closed-toe shoes
Semi-restricted areas require scrub attire with all hair covered by a surgical cap and appropriate footwear, but masks are required only in restricted areas.