CST OR Efficiency & Case Flow 4

Question 1

A surgeon requests an instrument that is not on the sterile field during a case. The scrub tech's BEST response is:

Accepted Answer

Request the circulator to obtain it using sterile transfer technique while maintaining field integrity

Answer

The circulator obtains off-field items and passes them to the scrub tech using sterile transfer technique, preserving the sterile field and keeping the case flowing.

Question 2

Proper instrument passing technique during surgery is important for efficiency because:

Accepted Answer

Anticipating the surgeon's needs and passing instruments decisively reduces hesitation and operative time

Answer

Confident, anticipatory instrument passing keeps the operative tempo high and minimizes the surgeon's distraction between maneuvers.

Question 3

Which practice BEST reduces the risk of a retained foreign object (RFO) while maintaining case flow?

Accepted Answer

Performing methodical counts at defined intervals — before incision, before closure, and at skin closure — without shortcuts

Answer

Standardized counts at defined intervals provide both patient safety and legal protection without significantly impeding case flow when performed methodically.

Question 4

The concept of 'surgeon preference card maintenance' is critical to OR efficiency because:

Accepted Answer

Outdated cards cause wrong supplies to be pulled, creating intraoperative delays and waste

Answer

Preference cards that reflect the surgeon's current technique and supply preferences ensure accurate case cart builds and prevent mid-case shortages.

Question 5

During orthopedic case setup, the scrub tech notices the power drill battery is not charged. The BEST action is:

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the circulator so a charged battery or backup is obtained before the case begins

Answer

Equipment failure discovered before incision can be corrected without delaying the case; discovering it intraoperatively causes a preventable and disruptive pause.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

CST OR Efficiency & Case Flow 4