CST Instruments & Equipment Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which electrosurgical mode cuts tissue by passing current through a small area to rapidly heat and vaporize cells?
- Coagulation mode
- Blend mode
- Cut mode (Correct answer)
- Bipolar mode
Correct answer: Cut mode
The cut mode delivers a continuous current that rapidly vaporizes cells through intense localized heat.
Question 2: What is the correct way to pass a sharp instrument to the surgeon?
- Place it handle-first into the surgeon's palm (Correct answer)
- Toss it across the sterile field
- Hand it tip-first so the surgeon receives the working end
- Announce the instrument and lay it on the drape
Correct answer: Place it handle-first into the surgeon's palm
Sharp instruments are passed handle-first so the surgeon's hand closes around the handle, not the sharp blade.
Question 3: Which instrument is used to dilate the urethra or cervix during gynecological procedures?
- Hank dilator (Correct answer)
- Army-Navy retractor
- Senn retractor
- Weitlaner retractor
Correct answer: Hank dilator
Hank (and Hegar) dilators are graduated metal rods used to progressively dilate the cervical os or urethra.
Question 4: The Hasson technique for laparoscopic access differs from the Veress needle technique because it:
- Uses a larger trocar with a blunt obturator under direct vision (Correct answer)
- Requires CO2 insufflation before trocar insertion
- Is faster and used in emergencies only
- Employs a spring-loaded safety shield
Correct answer: Uses a larger trocar with a blunt obturator under direct vision
The Hasson (open) technique uses a small skin incision and blunt trocar insertion under direct visualization, avoiding blind needle entry.
Question 5: Which instrument measures the depth of a body cavity, such as the uterine cavity?
- Uterine sound (Correct answer)
- Tenaculum
- Curette
- Speculum
Correct answer: Uterine sound
A uterine sound is a long, graduated probe inserted to measure the depth and direction of the uterine cavity.
Question 6: What type of needle is swaged (atraumatic)?
- A needle through which suture is threaded at the time of use
- A needle permanently attached to the suture strand by the manufacturer (Correct answer)
- A reusable needle sterilized between cases
- A needle with an eye requiring manual threading
Correct answer: A needle permanently attached to the suture strand by the manufacturer
Swaged (atraumatic) needles have the suture material permanently attached at manufacture, eliminating the hole left by a traditional eyed needle.
Question 7: Which retractor is commonly used during thyroid surgery to expose the operative field?
- Richardson retractor
- Green retractor
- Army-Navy retractor (Correct answer)
- Israel retractor
Correct answer: Army-Navy retractor
The Army-Navy retractor is a double-ended, shallow retractor frequently used to expose superficial structures such as the thyroid.
CST Instruments & Equipment Management 3
Which electrosurgical mode cuts tissue by passing current through a small area to rapidly heat and vaporize cells?