CST Specialty Surgical Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgical technologist should ensure the CO2 insufflation pressure is maintained at which level?
- 5–8 mmHg
- 10–15 mmHg (Correct answer)
- 20–25 mmHg
- 30–35 mmHg
Correct answer: 10–15 mmHg
Intraabdominal pressure is typically maintained at 10–15 mmHg to allow adequate visualization while minimizing physiological effects.
Question 2: Which instrument is used to clip the cystic duct and cystic artery during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
- Ligaclip applier (Correct answer)
- Harmonic scalpel
- Babcock clamp
- Endoloop ligature
Correct answer: Ligaclip applier
A Ligaclip applier (endoscopic clip applier) is used to apply titanium clips to the cystic duct and cystic artery before transection.
Question 3: In orthopedic surgery, what is the primary purpose of a pneumatic tourniquet applied to the extremity?
- To stabilize the fracture site
- To provide a bloodless operative field (Correct answer)
- To reduce postoperative edema
- To prevent nerve damage
Correct answer: To provide a bloodless operative field
A pneumatic tourniquet occludes arterial blood flow to create a bloodless field, improving visibility and reducing blood loss during extremity procedures.
Question 4: Which positioning device is used to hold the patient in the lateral decubitus position during a total hip arthroplasty?
- Bean bag positioner (Correct answer)
- Wilson frame
- Andrews table
- Mayfield headrest
Correct answer: Bean bag positioner
A bean bag positioner (vacuum pack) conforms to the patient's body and is inflated with a vacuum to securely maintain the lateral decubitus position.
Question 5: During a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), the saphenous vein is commonly harvested from which location?
- Forearm
- Medial thigh and leg (Correct answer)
- Lateral ankle
- Posterior calf only
Correct answer: Medial thigh and leg
The greater saphenous vein runs along the medial aspect of the thigh and leg and is the most commonly harvested conduit for CABG.
Question 6: What is the purpose of applying a Fogarty embolectomy catheter during vascular surgery?
- To measure arterial pressure
- To remove a thrombus or embolus from a vessel (Correct answer)
- To dilate a stenotic artery
- To anastomose two vessel ends
Correct answer: To remove a thrombus or embolus from a vessel
A Fogarty catheter is passed beyond a clot, the balloon is inflated, and the catheter is withdrawn to extract the thrombus from the vessel lumen.
Question 7: During a total knee arthroplasty, which instrument is used to remove the anterior femoral cortex and shape the distal femur for the prosthetic component?
- Oscillating saw (Correct answer)
- Rongeur
- Osteotome
- Curette
Correct answer: Oscillating saw
An oscillating saw is used with specific cutting guides to make precise resections of the femoral and tibial surfaces for prosthetic fit.
CST Specialty Surgical Procedures 2
During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgical technologist should ensure the CO2 insufflation pressure is maintained at which level?