Certified Surgical Technologist Surgical Positioning 3

Question 1

The Wilson frame is used primarily to support patients during which type of procedure?

Accepted Answer

Prone lumbar and thoracic spinal surgery

Answer

Hip arthroscopy in lateral position

Answer

Shoulder replacement in beach chair

Answer

Open abdominal laparotomy

Question 2

Which serious complication can result from prolonged prone positioning due to direct ocular pressure and reduced perfusion?

Accepted Answer

Postoperative visual loss (POVL)

Answer

Brachial plexus neuropathy

Answer

Deep vein thrombosis

Answer

Lower extremity compartment syndrome

Question 3

The Mayfield skull clamp provides rigid head fixation most commonly used for:

Accepted Answer

Craniotomies in lateral, prone, or sitting positions

Answer

Lithotomy perineal procedures

Answer

Abdominal laparoscopy in Trendelenburg

Answer

Shoulder surgery in beach chair

Question 4

Which respiratory complication is associated with the Trendelenburg position?

Accepted Answer

Decreased lung compliance and atelectasis from cephalad organ displacement

Answer

Increased tidal volume from diaphragm descent

Answer

Improved alveolar ventilation due to gravity

Answer

No significant respiratory changes

Question 5

Failure to pad the ulnar nerve at the medial epicondyle can result in which postoperative deficit?

Accepted Answer

Ulnar neuropathy with ring and little finger numbness and weakness

Answer

Wrist drop (radial nerve palsy)

Answer

Shoulder abduction weakness

Answer

Foot drop

Question 6

The sciatic nerve is most at risk for stretch injury in which position and circumstance?

Accepted Answer

Lithotomy with excessive hip flexion and external rotation

Answer

Supine with neutral hip alignment

Answer

Prone with arms at 90-degree abduction

Answer

Lateral with the dependent leg fully extended

Question 7

Which device is used to prevent a patient from sliding headward on the table during steep Trendelenburg positioning?

Accepted Answer

Padded shoulder braces or non-skid mattress pad

Answer

Stirrups at the foot of the table

Answer

Kidney rest under the flank

Answer

Allen arm boards