CST OR Efficiency & Case Flow 2

Question 1

Which action most directly reduces OR turnover time between cases?

Accepted Answer

Performing parallel processing by setting up the next room while closing is in progress

Answer

Parallel processing — preparing the next OR while the current case is still closing — is the single most impactful strategy for reducing turnover time.

Question 2

A surgeon's preference card lists a specific retractor that is unavailable. The FIRST action the scrub tech should take is:

Accepted Answer

Notify the circulator so an acceptable substitute can be sourced or the surgeon informed before incision

Answer

Notifying the circulator before the case begins allows time to locate the item or communicate the substitute to the surgeon, preventing intraoperative delays.

Question 3

When does the scrub technician typically begin setting up the sterile field for the next case in an efficient OR?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after the final count is confirmed and while closing continues in the other OR

Answer

In a two-room or staggered-case model, the scrub tech sets up the next sterile field in the adjoining OR during closing of the prior case.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a standardized case cart system?

Accepted Answer

To ensure all required supplies and instruments are gathered and verified before the case reaches the OR

Answer

Standardized case carts are pre-assembled according to the surgeon's preference card so everything needed arrives with the case, minimizing last-minute runs.

Question 5

During case flow, 'first case on-time start' (FCOTS) is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Incision occurring at or before the scheduled incision time for the day's first case

Answer

FCOTS is measured by whether incision occurs on time for the first scheduled case of the day, as delays cascade through the entire OR schedule.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

CST OR Efficiency & Case Flow 2