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

The Wilson frame supports the prone patient while flexing the lumbar spine to widen intervertebral spaces, improving surgical access during laminectomy and discectomy.

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

Pressure on the globe combined with systemic hypotension can cause ischemic optic neuropathy, resulting in permanent postoperative visual loss.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Craniotomies in lateral, prone, or sitting positions

Answer

The Mayfield three-pin skull clamp attaches to the skull and table frame to prevent any head movement during craniotomies, regardless of the patient's body position.

Question 4

Which respiratory complication is associated with the Trendelenburg position?

Accepted Answer

Decreased lung compliance and atelectasis from cephalad organ displacement

Answer

In Trendelenburg, abdominal viscera press cephalad against the diaphragm, reducing functional residual capacity and lung compliance, increasing atelectasis risk.

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

The ulnar nerve is superficial at the medial epicondyle ('funny bone') and compresses easily against hard surfaces, causing sensory loss and intrinsic hand muscle weakness.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Surgical Positioning 3