Certified Surgical Technologist Preoperative Care and Preparation 4

Question 1

A patient's preoperative blood pressure reads 188/110 mmHg. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the anesthesia provider and surgeon before proceeding

Answer

Severely elevated blood pressure must be reported to the surgical team because it increases anesthetic and intraoperative bleeding risk and may require intervention before surgery.

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct technique for verifying patient identity in the preoperative area?

Accepted Answer

Use two patient identifiers such as name and date of birth, confirmed verbally and with the wristband

Answer

Two independent patient identifiers (e.g., full name and date of birth) confirmed verbally and matched to the wristband are required per Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals.

Question 3

What is the purpose of applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) preoperatively?

Accepted Answer

To prevent deep vein thrombosis by promoting venous return

Answer

SCDs apply intermittent pneumatic compression to the legs, promoting venous return and reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis during prolonged surgery.

Question 4

Which preoperative finding would most likely require postponement of an elective surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

A patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L

Answer

Hypokalemia (K+ < 3.0 mEq/L) increases the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias during anesthesia and is a common reason to postpone elective surgery.

Question 5

When setting up the OR for a case involving a patient with a known MRSA infection, what precaution is most important preoperatively?

Accepted Answer

Placing the patient in isolation in the preoperative holding area and using contact precautions

Answer

Contact precautions—including gown, gloves, and dedicated equipment—are required for MRSA-positive patients to prevent transmission in the perioperative environment.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Preoperative Care and Preparation 4