Free Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with a BMI of 30 is admitted for surgery. What potential difficulties during the surgical procedure can be brought on by obesity?

Accepted Answer

An infection is more prone to spread to the patient

Answer

Obesity significantly increases the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) due to several factors. Adipose tissue has poor vascularity, which impairs oxygen delivery and antibiotic penetration to the surgical site, hindering healing and immune response. Additionally, larger incisions, increased tension on wound edges, and difficulty maintaining sterile fields can contribute to a higher susceptibility to infection in obese patients.

Question 2

Before a colon resection, the nurse assesses a patient and finds that their blood pressure is excessive at 142/90 mmHg. The nurse should do what comes next, right?

Accepted Answer

Please note the vital sign in the patient's chart, let them rest peacefully in a room, and then check again in 30 minutes

Answer

A blood pressure reading of 142/90 mmHg, while slightly elevated, is not an immediate contraindication for surgery unless accompanied by other severe symptoms or a history of uncontrolled hypertension. The appropriate nursing action is to document the finding, allow the patient to rest, and recheck the blood pressure after 30 minutes. This allows for potential reduction due to pre-operative anxiety and provides a more accurate baseline before escalating concerns to the physician.

Question 3

Which of the following is an intervention the nurse can use with a patient who has memory issues during the preoperative period's teaching phase?

Accepted Answer

Reduce outside distractions by closing the door and turning off the television

Answer

When teaching a patient with memory issues during the preoperative period, reducing outside distractions is a crucial intervention. By closing the door and turning off the television, the nurse creates a quiet and focused environment that minimizes sensory overload and improves the patient's ability to concentrate and retain information. This strategy enhances the effectiveness of teaching for individuals with cognitive impairments.

Question 4

When attempting to interview a patient with a language barrier but no interpreter is available, which of the following should the nurse do?

Accepted Answer

Act out some words while saying them to facilitate better understanding

Answer

When an interpreter is unavailable for a patient with a language barrier, acting out some words while saying them (using gestures and pantomime) can significantly facilitate understanding. This non-verbal communication can bridge the language gap by providing visual cues that reinforce the spoken words. While not a substitute for a professional interpreter, it can be a helpful temporary strategy to convey basic information and assess immediate needs.

Question 5

During a preoperative checkup, the nurse uses a tongue depressor to depress and move the patient's tongue. Which cranial nerve is being examined by this test?

Accepted Answer

XII (hypoglossal)

Answer

The hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) is primarily responsible for the motor control of the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue. Depressing and moving the tongue with a tongue depressor directly assesses the function of these muscles. This test evaluates the integrity of the hypoglossal nerve, as damage can impair tongue movement, speech, and swallowing.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Free Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Questions and Answers