CST Preoperative Preparation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document must be completed and signed before an elective surgical procedure can begin?
- Advance directive
- Informed consent form (Correct answer)
- HIPAA acknowledgment
- Insurance pre-authorization
Correct answer: Informed consent form
Informed consent must be signed by the patient (or guardian) before elective surgery, confirming the patient understands the procedure, risks, and alternatives.
Question 2: The surgical technologist notes that the patient's allergy to latex is not documented on the surgical checklist. What is the FIRST action to take?
- Proceed and use non-latex gloves personally
- Inform the circulating nurse and surgeon immediately (Correct answer)
- Document it post-operatively
- Place a latex-free sign on the door after opening the room
Correct answer: Inform the circulating nurse and surgeon immediately
Allergies must be communicated to the entire team immediately so that latex-free supplies can be substituted before the patient enters the OR.
Question 3: During the preoperative skin prep, which motion technique is used when preparing a surgical site?
- Back-and-forth strokes from periphery to center
- Circular motion from the incision site outward (Correct answer)
- Random overlapping strokes across the entire field
- Linear strokes from top to bottom only
Correct answer: Circular motion from the incision site outward
Circular motion from the center (incision site) outward prevents contaminating a clean area with organisms from the periphery.
Question 4: Which hair removal method is preferred to minimize surgical site infection (SSI) risk?
- Razor shave the night before surgery
- Razor shave immediately before incision
- Clipping hair immediately before the procedure (Correct answer)
- Depilatory cream applied 48 hours prior
Correct answer: Clipping hair immediately before the procedure
Clipping (not shaving) immediately before the procedure is preferred because it causes fewer microabrasions that could harbor bacteria.
Question 5: What is the correct patient position for most abdominal surgeries?
- Prone
- Lithotomy
- Supine (Correct answer)
- Lateral decubitus
Correct answer: Supine
Supine (flat on back) is the standard position for most abdominal procedures, providing the surgeon direct anterior access.
Question 6: A patient is placed in the lithotomy position. Which complication is the surgical team most vigilant about preventing?
- Brachial plexus stretch injury
- Compartment syndrome of the lower legs (Correct answer)
- Pressure ulcer on the occiput
- Corneal abrasion
Correct answer: Compartment syndrome of the lower legs
Lithotomy position elevates the legs, restricting venous return and increasing compartment pressure, potentially causing compartment syndrome if prolonged.
Question 7: Which antiseptic agent is CONTRAINDICATED for prep of the ear canal?
- Chlorhexidine gluconate (Correct answer)
- Povidone-iodine
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Normal saline irrigation
Correct answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate
Chlorhexidine gluconate is ototoxic and must not contact the middle ear or tympanic membrane.
CST Preoperative Preparation 2
Which document must be completed and signed before an elective surgical procedure can begin?