CST Preoperative Preparation 3

Question 1

Which of the following is the primary purpose of applying a tourniquet during extremity surgery?

Accepted Answer

Provide a bloodless operative field

Answer

A tourniquet inflated proximal to the surgical site occludes arterial and venous blood flow, creating a bloodless field that improves visibility.

Question 2

When setting up a sterile back table, which action maintains sterility?

Accepted Answer

Opening sterile packages by flipping them onto the field from outside the sterile zone

Answer

Sterile items should be flipped or dropped onto the sterile field by an unsterile person without the wrapper crossing the sterile boundary.

Question 3

Which preoperative assessment finding would most concern the surgical team regarding anesthesia induction?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin A1c of 11.2%

Answer

Poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c >9%) increases infection risk and impairs wound healing; it may also affect anesthesia management and surgical timing.

Question 4

The surgeon requests a Foley catheter be placed preoperatively. Which gauge catheter is standard for most adult patients?

Accepted Answer

14–16 Fr

Answer

14–16 French catheters are the standard size for adult urinary drainage; larger sizes are used for specific clinical indications such as hematuria.

Question 5

Which of the following is the MOST important reason to perform a pre-incision Time Out?

Accepted Answer

To confirm correct patient, site, side, procedure, and position before incision

Answer

The Time Out (per Joint Commission Universal Protocol) pauses all activity to verify the five rights: patient, procedure, site, side, and position.

(CST) Certified Surgical Technician Practice Test

(CST) Certified Surgical Technician Practice Test

CST Preoperative Preparation 3