Certified Surgical Technologist Basics 2

Question 1

Which layer of the surgical drape is considered the sterile field boundary?

Accepted Answer

The top surface of the drape at table level and above

Answer

The sterile field includes the top surface of the drape at table level and above; anything below table level is considered contaminated.

Question 2

When passing a scalpel to the surgeon, the surgical technologist should:

Accepted Answer

Place it in a neutral zone (basin or pad) to avoid direct hand-to-hand transfer

Answer

AORN recommends using a neutral zone (hands-free technique) when passing sharp instruments to reduce sharps injuries.

Question 3

The term 'counts' in the OR refers to:

Accepted Answer

Reconciling sponges, sharps, and instruments before wound closure

Answer

Counts involve reconciling sponges, sharps, and instruments at specific intervals to prevent retained surgical items.

Question 4

Which suture material is classified as absorbable?

Accepted Answer

Polyglycolic acid (Dexon)

Answer

Polyglycolic acid (Dexon) is a synthetic absorbable suture that is broken down by hydrolysis in body tissues.

Question 5

The purpose of a Mayo stand in the OR is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a sterile surface for frequently used instruments during surgery

Answer

The Mayo stand is positioned over or near the sterile field to hold instruments that the scrub tech hands to the surgeon most frequently.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test