Free Certified Surgical Technologist Basics Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What tool can be utilized to set up a patient for a total hip replacement?
- Andrews frame
- Beanbag (Correct answer)
- Stirrups
- Wilson frame
Correct answer: Beanbag
A beanbag positioner is commonly used to set up a patient for a total hip replacement, particularly when the lateral position is required. The beanbag molds around the patient's body when air is evacuated, providing stable and secure support. This helps maintain the desired surgical position and prevents movement during the procedure.
Question 2: When a patient is in the lateral position for kidney surgery, their lower leg should be:
- Abducted
- Externally Rotated
- Flexed (Correct answer)
- Extended
Correct answer: Flexed
When a patient is positioned laterally for kidney surgery, the lower leg (the one resting on the operating table) should be flexed at the hip and knee. This positioning helps to stabilize the patient, prevent pressure on nerves, and allow for optimal access to the flank area for the surgical team. The upper leg is typically straight with a pillow in between.
Question 3: Which of the following straight catheters is most frequently used in the operating room before laparoscopic gynecological surgery?
- Malecot
- Robinson (Correct answer)
- Foley
- Pezzer
Correct answer: Robinson
The Robinson catheter, also known as a 'red rubber' catheter, is a straight, non-retaining catheter frequently used in the operating room. Before laparoscopic gynecological surgery, it is commonly inserted to empty the patient's bladder. This reduces the risk of bladder injury during the procedure and improves visualization of pelvic structures.
Question 4: Which item is necessary to set up a D&C?
- Cell-saver unit
- Cassette holder
- Stirrups (Correct answer)
- Electrosurgery unit
Correct answer: Stirrups
A Dilation and Curettage (D&C) procedure requires the patient to be placed in the lithotomy position. Stirrups are essential equipment used to support the patient's legs in this position, allowing for proper exposure and access to the perineal and vaginal areas. This setup is crucial for the surgeon to perform the procedure effectively.
Question 5: What is the first tissue layer that needs to be removed during strabismus surgery?
- Conjunctiva (Correct answer)
- Iris
- Cornea
- Scelera
Correct answer: Conjunctiva
Strabismus surgery involves adjusting the extraocular muscles to correct misaligned eyes. The first tissue layer that must be incised and retracted to access these muscles is the conjunctiva. This transparent membrane lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera (white part of the eye).
Question 6: Which of the following is the electrosurgical unit's active electrode?
- Voltage intensity dial
- Wall plug
- Grounding pad
- Pencil (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Pencil
In electrosurgery, the active electrode is the component that delivers the high-frequency electrical current directly to the patient's tissue for cutting or coagulation. The electrosurgical pencil, held by the surgeon, contains the active electrode tip. The grounding pad, in contrast, is the dispersive electrode that safely returns the current to the unit.
Question 7: Which of the following is a normal adult white blood cell count?
- 20000 to 25000
- 1000 to 2000
- 5000 to 9000 (Correct answer)
- 12000 to 15000
Correct answer: 5000 to 9000
A normal adult white blood cell (WBC) count, also known as a leukocyte count, typically ranges from 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter of blood. The option of 5000 to 9000 falls squarely within this healthy range. This count indicates a properly functioning immune system, capable of fighting off infections.
Question 8: During a transurethral resection prostate (TURP), the following factors control bleeding:
- Suture ligature
- Cauterization (Correct answer)
- Gelfoam
- Irrigation
Correct answer: Cauterization
During a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), bleeding is primarily controlled through cauterization. The resectoscope used in the procedure employs an electrosurgical loop that simultaneously cuts away prostatic tissue and coagulates blood vessels. This dual action effectively minimizes blood loss during the resection.
Question 9: What process makes use of a microscope?
- Tonsillectomy
- Stapedectomy (Correct answer)
- Tracheostomy
- Radical neck
Correct answer: Stapedectomy
A stapedectomy is a highly delicate ear surgery performed to restore hearing by replacing a diseased stapes bone in the middle ear. Due to the intricate and microscopic structures of the middle ear, this procedure absolutely requires the use of an operating microscope. The microscope provides the necessary magnification for precise visualization and manipulation of tiny anatomical components.
Question 10: What is the preferred position for breast surgery?
- Lateral
- Lithotomy
- Prone
- Dorsal Recumbent (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Dorsal Recumbent
The dorsal recumbent position, where the patient lies flat on their back, is the preferred position for most breast surgeries. This position allows for optimal exposure of the breast and axillary (underarm) regions. It also provides comfort for the patient and facilitates the surgeon's access to the surgical site.
Question 11: What position is typically used for hemorrhoidectomy?
- Knee-chest
- Supine
- Lateral
- Jack-knife (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Jack-knife
The jack-knife position, also known as the Kraske position, is typically used for hemorrhoidectomy. In this position, the patient lies prone (on their stomach) with their hips flexed and the buttocks elevated. This provides excellent exposure of the perianal area, allowing the surgeon clear access to the hemorrhoids.
Question 12: What anatomical structure must always be preserved during a cholecystectomy?
- Common duct (Correct answer)
- Cystic artery
- Cystic duct
- Cystic vein
Correct answer: Common duct
During a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), it is absolutely critical to identify and preserve the common bile duct. This duct carries bile from the liver to the small intestine, and accidental injury to it can lead to severe complications such as bile leakage, strictures, and liver damage. Careful dissection and identification are paramount to avoid this.
Question 13: A resectoscope is used to resect the
- Vas deferens
- Fallopian tubes
- Ovaries
- Prostate (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Prostate
A resectoscope is a specialized endoscopic instrument primarily used in urology for transurethral resection procedures. Its most common application is in a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). During this procedure, the resectoscope is used to remove prostatic tissue that is obstructing the urethra, improving urine flow.
Question 14: What is the suturing technique used to place brief lateral stitches below the skin's epithelial layer?
- Traction
- Mattress
- Subcuticular (Correct answer)
- Purse-string
Correct answer: Subcuticular
The subcuticular suturing technique involves placing continuous, non-penetrating stitches horizontally within the dermis, just below the skin's epithelial layer. This method minimizes tension on the skin edges, resulting in a cosmetically favorable scar with minimal visible suture marks. It often eliminates the need for external suture removal.
Question 15: What bodily part undergoes preparation for an ORIF of the humerus?
- Arm, fingers to elbow
- Arm, fingers to shoulder (Correct answer)
- Arm, foot to shoulder
- Leg, foot to hip
Correct answer: Arm, fingers to shoulder
For an Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) of the humerus, the surgical preparation area must be extensive to ensure a sterile field and allow for full manipulation of the limb. Therefore, the entire arm, from the fingertips up to the shoulder, is prepped. This provides ample sterile working space for the surgeon.
Question 16: What circumstances are regarded as warranting a surgical vitrectomy?
- Foreign object in the eye
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Both A and B (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both A and B
A surgical vitrectomy is indicated for various conditions affecting the vitreous humor and retina. This includes removing foreign objects from the eye, which can cause significant damage and vision loss. It is also a crucial treatment for complications of diabetic retinopathy, such as vitreous hemorrhage (blood in the vitreous) or retinal detachment, to restore or preserve vision.
Free Certified Surgical Technologist Basics Questions and Answers
What tool can be utilized to set up a patient for a total hip replacement?