COT - Certified Ophthalmic Technician Surgical Assisting Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

While setting up the instrument tray for a chalazion excision, a sterile cotton-tipped applicator rolls off the edge of the sterile drape but is caught before it hits the floor.
What is the most appropriate action for the surgical assistant to take?

Accepted Answer

Discard the applicator and obtain a new sterile one.

Answer

Use the applicator since it did not touch the floor.

Answer

Ask the surgeon if the applicator is still considered sterile.

Answer

Place the applicator on a separate part of the tray to be used last.

Question 2

During a cataract extraction procedure, the surgeon needs to create a continuous circular opening in the anterior lens capsule. Which of the following instruments would the surgeon most likely request for this specific step, known as capsulorhexis?

Accepted Answer

Utrata forceps

Answer

Sinskey hook

Answer

Bishop-Harmon forceps

Answer

Westcott scissors

Question 3

A technician is preparing a patient for cataract surgery. The patient has signed the consent form, but while reviewing the procedure, they state, "I'm a little nervous because I don't really understand what the doctor is going to do with the new lens." What is the technician's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Pause all preparations and inform the surgeon that the patient has further questions and may not fully understand the procedure.

Answer

Reassure the patient that the surgeon is very experienced and they shouldn't worry.

Answer

Provide the patient with a brochure about cataract surgery to read while they wait.

Answer

Proceed with the pre-operative preparations as consent has already been signed.

Question 4

A retrobulbar block is a type of local anesthesia used for intraocular surgery. Where is the anesthetic agent injected to achieve this block?

Accepted Answer

Into the cone-shaped area behind the globe, containing the optic nerve and extraocular muscles.

Answer

Into the space between the sclera and Tenon's capsule (sub-Tenon's).

Answer

Under the skin of the eyelid (subcutaneous).

Answer

Directly into the vitreous cavity.

Question 5

Which of the following is a critical step in preparing a patient's eye immediately before an intravitreal injection to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis?

Accepted Answer

Application of povidone-iodine to the ocular surface and lids.

Answer

Application of a pressure patch to lower IOP.

Answer

Instillation of a miotic agent to constrict the pupil.

Answer

Measurement of the injection site with calipers.

Question 6

After a minor surgical procedure, a technician is cleaning reusable, heat-sensitive ophthalmic instruments. Which method is most appropriate for processing these instruments?

Accepted Answer

Soaking them in a high-level disinfectant (e.g., glutaraldehyde) for the manufacturer-recommended time.

Answer

Placing them in a steam autoclave on a standard cycle.

Answer

Wiping them thoroughly with an alcohol prep pad.

Answer

Rinsing them under hot tap water and allowing them to air dry.