CST Patient Care & Safety 2

Question 1

Which action should the surgical technologist take when a patient states they are allergic to latex just before entering the OR?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgical team immediately and prepare a latex-free environment

Answer

A latex allergy requires immediate notification of the team and conversion to a fully latex-free environment to prevent anaphylaxis.

Question 2

When positioning a patient in the lithotomy position, what complication is the surgical technologist most vigilant about preventing?

Accepted Answer

Compartment syndrome of the lower extremities

Answer

Lithotomy position places legs in stirrups, increasing risk of compartment syndrome due to compromised perfusion and elevated limb pressure.

Question 3

What is the correct order of steps for performing a surgical hand scrub using the anatomical scrub method?

Accepted Answer

Nails, fingers, hand, forearm working distal to proximal

Answer

The anatomical timed scrub proceeds distal to proximal: nails first, then each finger, hand, and forearm, to avoid recontaminating cleaner areas.

Question 4

A patient's informed consent form is missing a signature. What is the surgical technologist's most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon and circulating nurse before proceeding

Answer

The surgical technologist should notify the surgeon and circulating nurse; the surgeon is responsible for obtaining informed consent before surgery proceeds.

Question 5

During a procedure, the surgical technologist notices the patient's tourniquet has been inflated for 115 minutes. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Alert the surgeon to the extended inflation time

Answer

Prolonged tourniquet inflation risks ischemia and nerve damage; the surgeon must be alerted so a decision to deflate or proceed can be made.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

CST Patient Care & Safety 2