CST Intraoperative Procedures 2

Question 1

During a laparotomy, the surgeon requests a self-retaining retractor. Which of the following is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Balfour retractor

Answer

The Balfour retractor is a self-retaining abdominal retractor that holds the wound open without an assistant.

Question 2

When passing a scalpel to the surgeon, the ST should use which technique?

Accepted Answer

Place it in a neutral zone on the field

Answer

The neutral zone (no-hands) technique reduces sharps injury risk by placing the instrument in a designated area for the surgeon to pick up.

Question 3

Which suture is MOST appropriate for closing fascia in a high-tension abdominal closure?

Accepted Answer

Polypropylene #1

Answer

Polypropylene (Prolene) #1 is a non-absorbable, high-tensile monofilament suture ideal for fascial closure under tension.

Question 4

A vessel loop is MOST commonly used intraoperatively to:

Accepted Answer

Retract and isolate vessels or nerves

Answer

Vessel loops are silicone loops used to retract and isolate delicate structures such as blood vessels and nerves without damaging them.

Question 5

During an open cholecystectomy, which clamp is used to grasp the cystic duct before ligation?

Accepted Answer

Right-angle (Mixter) clamp

Answer

The right-angle (Mixter) clamp is used to dissect around and pass ligatures beneath tubular structures like the cystic duct.

(CST) Certified Surgical Technician Practice Test