CST CST Wound Care & Closure 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A surgical incision where the surgical technologist applies skin staples is typically closed at which tissue layer?
- Muscle
- Peritoneum
- Subcutaneous fat
- Epidermis/dermis (skin) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Epidermis/dermis (skin)
Skin staples are used to approximate the edges of the epidermis and dermis at the skin surface level after deeper layers have been closed.
Question 2: What is wound dehiscence?
- Infection developing under a dressing
- Partial or complete separation of wound edges after closure (Correct answer)
- Excessive scar tissue formation
- Delayed bleeding from a wound
Correct answer: Partial or complete separation of wound edges after closure
Dehiscence is the breakdown and separation of a surgical wound, which may expose underlying tissues and require reoperation.
Question 3: Which absorbable suture is commonly used for bowel anastomosis and mucosal closures due to its predictable absorption profile?
- Silk
- Polypropylene (Prolene)
- Polyglycolic acid (Vicryl) (Correct answer)
- Stainless steel
Correct answer: Polyglycolic acid (Vicryl)
Vicryl (polyglycolic acid) is a synthetic absorbable suture widely used for GI anastomoses and mucosal closures because it maintains tensile strength for approximately 3 weeks.
Question 4: What is evisceration in the context of wound complications?
- Wound infection with purulent drainage
- Protrusion of abdominal organs through a dehisced wound (Correct answer)
- Formation of an internal fistula
- Hematoma formation beneath the incision
Correct answer: Protrusion of abdominal organs through a dehisced wound
Evisceration is a surgical emergency where abdominal contents (bowel, omentum) protrude through a completely dehisced wound, requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Question 5: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT/VAC therapy) works by:
- Applying heat to promote circulation
- Using sub-atmospheric pressure to remove exudate and promote granulation (Correct answer)
- Delivering antibiotics directly into the wound
- Sealing the wound with cyanoacrylate glue
Correct answer: Using sub-atmospheric pressure to remove exudate and promote granulation
NPWT applies controlled negative pressure to remove wound fluid, reduce edema, and stimulate granulation tissue formation in complex wounds.
Question 6: Which type of surgical drain works by passive gravity drainage and does not use suction?
- Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain
- Blake drain with bulb suction
- Penrose drain (Correct answer)
- Hemovac drain
Correct answer: Penrose drain
A Penrose drain is a flat, flexible silicone tube that drains by gravity and capillary action without any suction mechanism.
CST CST Wound Care & Closure 2
A surgical incision where the surgical technologist applies skin staples is typically closed at which tissue layer?