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
Which term describes the process of transferring microorganisms from one surface to another via an intermediate object?
Answer: Indirect contact transmission
Indirect contact transmission occurs when microorganisms transfer via a contaminated intermediate object (fomite) rather than direct person-to-person contact.
What is the minimum internal temperature required for steam sterilization in a standard gravity displacement sterilizer?
Answer: 250°F (121°C)
Gravity displacement steam sterilizers operate at a minimum of 250°F (121°C), held for at least 30 minutes for wrapped instruments.
The chain of asepsis is broken when a scrubbed team member:
Answer: Reaches below the level of the sterile drape to retrieve a fallen item
Reaching below table level contacts the non-sterile zone; anything below the sterile drape edge is considered contaminated.
Which surgical position is most commonly used for procedures on the spine, buttocks, and posterior lower extremities?
Answer: Prone
The prone position places the patient face-down, providing optimal access to the posterior surfaces of the body for spinal and dorsal procedures.
A Penrose drain is classified as a:
Answer: Passive drain
The Penrose drain is a soft rubber tube that drains by capillary action and gravity—a passive system with no suction mechanism.
The purpose of a biological indicator (BI) in sterilization monitoring is to:
Answer: Confirm sterilization efficacy using the most resistant microorganisms
Biological indicators contain spores of highly resistant organisms (e.g., Geobacillus stearothermophilus) to confirm that sterilization conditions were lethal to all microorganisms.
When draping a patient, the surgical technologist should unfold and place drapes in which direction?
Answer: From the operative site outward toward the periphery
Drapes are placed from the clean (operative site) outward toward the less-clean periphery to prevent contamination of the incision area.