Certified Surgical Technologist Surgical Positioning 2

Question 1

Which surgical position is used for retroperitoneal flank access during kidney (nephrectomy) surgery?

Accepted Answer

Lateral (kidney) position

Answer

Supine with arm extended

Answer

Prone with Wilson frame

Answer

Fowler's position

Question 2

The 'beach chair' (modified sitting) position is most commonly associated with which surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Shoulder arthroscopy

Answer

Lumbar laminectomy

Answer

Total knee replacement

Answer

Appendectomy

Question 3

What is the primary life-threatening risk of the sitting (Fowler's) position during posterior fossa neurosurgery?

Accepted Answer

Venous air embolism

Answer

Pressure ulcers on the sacrum

Answer

Brachial plexus injury

Answer

Corneal abrasion

Question 4

Brachial plexus stretch injury in the supine position is most commonly caused by:

Accepted Answer

Arm abduction greater than 90 degrees

Answer

Arm tucked securely at the patient's side

Answer

Neutral head positioning

Answer

Padding the elbow

Question 5

Which device is primarily used to stabilize a patient in the lateral position during flank surgery?

Accepted Answer

Beanbag positioner and kidney rest

Answer

Allen stirrups

Answer

Mayfield headrest

Answer

Wilson frame

Question 6

Which bony prominences must be padded to prevent pressure injuries during all surgical positions?

Accepted Answer

All bony prominences including heels, sacrum, elbows, and occiput

Answer

Heels only

Answer

Sacrum only

Answer

Elbows only

Question 7

The semi-Fowler's position elevates the head of the bed to approximately:

Accepted Answer

15–30 degrees

Answer

90 degrees

Answer

45–60 degrees

Answer

5 degrees