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

The lateral position with the patient's flank over the kidney rest and table flexed provides direct retroperitoneal access for nephrectomy and other kidney procedures.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Shoulder arthroscopy

Answer

The beach chair position keeps the patient semi-upright, providing excellent glenohumeral joint access and reducing venous oozing during shoulder arthroscopy.

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

The upright sitting position creates sub-atmospheric venous pressure in the cerebral venous sinuses; if a vessel is opened, air can be entrained causing a potentially fatal air embolism.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Arm abduction greater than 90 degrees

Answer

Abducting the arm beyond 90 degrees on an arm board overstretches the brachial plexus between the clavicle and first rib, causing neuropraxia.

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

A beanbag positioner conforms to the patient's body contours to prevent rolling, while the kidney rest supports the flank at the operative site.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Surgical Positioning 2