Random 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 Random flashcards as text
Which suture material is most appropriate for closing contaminated wounds due to its resistance to infection?
Answer: Monofilament nylon
Monofilament sutures like nylon have fewer interstices for bacteria to colonize, making them preferred in contaminated wound closures.
During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon requests insufflation. Which gas is most commonly used?
Answer: Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is used for laparoscopic insufflation because it is readily absorbed by the body and does not support combustion.
A patient is placed in the Trendelenburg position. Which procedure is this position most commonly used for?
Answer: Lower abdominal and pelvic surgery
Trendelenburg (head-down tilt) shifts abdominal organs cephalad, improving access to pelvic and lower abdominal structures.
Which layer of the surgical drape placed directly on the patient must be sterile?
Answer: The inner (patient-contact) layer
The innermost surface of the drape that contacts the patient and sterile field must be sterile to maintain asepsis.
The surgical technologist passes a hemostat to the surgeon who hands it back contaminated with blood. The correct action is to:
Answer: Wipe it with a sterile sponge and return it to the sterile field
Blood-contaminated instruments should be wiped with a sterile sponge to remove gross debris and returned to the sterile field; they remain sterile unless sterility is otherwise compromised.
Which anatomical structure is at greatest risk of injury during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Answer: Common bile duct
The common bile duct is at greatest risk during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is why critical view of safety must be established before clipping.
When using bipolar electrosurgery, which is true compared to monopolar electrosurgery?
Answer: Current flows only between the two tips of the forceps
Bipolar electrosurgery confines current between the two forceps tips, eliminating the need for a dispersive pad and reducing unintended tissue damage.