CST Wound Closure & Healing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of the abdominal wall is typically closed with a continuous (running) suture to prevent evisceration?
- Skin
- Subcutaneous fat
- Fascia (Correct answer)
- Peritoneum
Correct answer: Fascia
The fascial layer provides the primary structural strength of the abdominal wall closure and is sutured with a continuous technique to distribute tension evenly.
Question 2: A wound that is intentionally left open to heal from the bottom up is classified as healing by:
- Primary intention
- Secondary intention (Correct answer)
- Tertiary intention
- Delayed primary closure
Correct answer: Secondary intention
Secondary intention healing occurs when wound edges are not approximated and the wound fills in with granulation tissue from the base upward.
Question 3: Which suture material is MOST appropriate for closing skin in a patient with a known latex allergy?
- Chromic gut
- Nylon monofilament (Correct answer)
- Surgical silk
- Braided polyester
Correct answer: Nylon monofilament
Nylon monofilament (e.g., Ethilon) is a synthetic suture with no latex components and is safe for patients with latex allergies.
Question 4: The surgical technologist notices the surgeon is using a retention suture. What is the PRIMARY purpose of retention sutures?
- To close the peritoneum securely
- To provide additional support in high-tension closures (Correct answer)
- To approximate skin edges precisely
- To ligate bleeding vessels
Correct answer: To provide additional support in high-tension closures
Retention (stay) sutures provide additional mechanical support across a wound under high tension, reducing the risk of dehiscence.
Question 5: Which phase of wound healing is characterized by the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)?
- Hemostasis
- Inflammatory phase
- Proliferative phase (Correct answer)
- Remodeling phase
Correct answer: Proliferative phase
Angiogenesis occurs during the proliferative phase as new capillaries grow into the wound bed to support granulation tissue formation.
Question 6: A 3-0 absorbable suture is being used to close subcutaneous tissue. Which of the following is an example of a synthetic absorbable suture?
- Silk
- Polyglycolic acid (Dexon) (Correct answer)
- Nylon
- Polypropylene
Correct answer: Polyglycolic acid (Dexon)
Polyglycolic acid (Dexon) is a synthetic absorbable suture that is broken down by hydrolysis over time.
Question 7: During wound closure, the scrub technologist should count instruments, sharps, and sponges:
- Only at the start of the procedure
- Before closure of any cavity and at skin closure (Correct answer)
- Only at skin closure
- After the patient leaves the OR
Correct answer: Before closure of any cavity and at skin closure
Counts must be performed before closure of any body cavity and again at skin closure to ensure no items are retained.
CST Wound Closure & Healing 2
Which layer of the abdominal wall is typically closed with a continuous (running) suture to prevent evisceration?