CST Trauma & Emergency Surgery 2

Question 1

During a damage control laparotomy, the scrub tech should anticipate packing the abdomen with which material to control hemorrhage temporarily?

Accepted Answer

Lap sponges (laparotomy pads)

Answer

Laparotomy pads (lap sponges) are used for abdominal packing in damage control surgery to tamponade bleeding until the patient is stabilized for definitive repair.

Question 2

A trauma patient arrives with a suspected tension pneumothorax. The FIRST intervention before chest tube insertion is:

Accepted Answer

Needle decompression at the 2nd intercostal space midclavicular line

Answer

Needle decompression immediately relieves the life-threatening pressure of a tension pneumothorax before a formal chest tube can be placed.

Question 3

Which retractor is most commonly used to provide exposure during an emergency exploratory laparotomy?

Accepted Answer

Balfour self-retaining retractor

Answer

The Balfour self-retaining retractor provides broad, stable abdominal wall retraction needed for rapid exploration during emergency laparotomy.

Question 4

In a trauma case involving a Grade IV liver laceration, the scrub tech should have immediately available:

Accepted Answer

Pringle maneuver clamp, suction, and hemostatic agents

Answer

Grade IV liver lacerations require hemorrhage control via Pringle maneuver (vascular clamping of the porta hepatis), aggressive suction, and hemostatic adjuncts.

Question 5

When a patient sustains a traumatic amputation in the field, the amputated part should be transported by:

Accepted Answer

Wrapping in moist saline gauze, placing in a sealed bag on ice

Answer

The amputated part is wrapped in moist saline gauze, sealed in a bag, and placed on ice — never in direct contact with ice — to preserve viability for replantation.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test

CST Trauma & Emergency Surgery 2