FREE Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test Questions and Answers

Question 1

During the healing process following surgery, which of the following nursing diagnoses is the patient most likely to have?

Accepted Answer

Ineffective thermoregulation

Answer

Disorientation and confusion

Answer

Dysfunctional grieving

Answer

Altered nutrition, less than bodily requirements

Question 2

What features of the PACU might promote the psychological health of a surgical patient?

Accepted Answer

Low lighting is used during recovery to protect the patient from bright glare.

Answer

There are numerous monitors, letting patients know that the PACU has cutting-edge equipment to support them.

Answer

The presence of so many nurses and technicians inspires the patient's faith in the nursing staff's skills.

Answer

A spacious, open area in which the patient is aware that others are recovering from surgery as well.

Question 3

The patient's blood pressure is 148/100 mmHg as they enter the recovery area. The anesthesiologist reports that the patient has no previous cardiac history and is currently asymptomatic. What will the nurse do next?

Accepted Answer

Both A and B

Answer

Raise the bed's head and ask the patient to sit up.

Answer

The patient's heart and lung sounds should be heard.

Answer

Look for signs of increased pain and anxiety in the patient.

Question 4

A patient is moved to the post-operative ward, and the nurse is informed of their condition. They learn about the patient's history of thrombocytopenia during the report. Which of the following actions should the nurse do to lower the likelihood that this patient may create a blood clot?

Accepted Answer

Both A and B

Answer

Request that the patient stay in bed with a pillow between his or her knees.

Answer

Tell the patient to keep their legs straight.

Answer

To prevent blood clots, give aspirin as a preventative measure.

Question 5

After the patient has been moved to the surgical unit, which of the following procedures can the nurse carry out to lower the risk of infection?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you can, take out the catheter that is inside you.

Answer

To minimize swelling, administer anti-inflammatory drugs such steroids.

Answer

To ensure appropriate lung expansion, suggest the patient sleep on their stomach.

Answer

Inform the patient that they should consume more water and foods high in carbohydrates.

Question 6

After being moved from the operating room to the PACU, the patient tells the nurse, "I feel like I'm about to puke up," after being assessed. Which of the following is the nurse's best course of action?

Accepted Answer

"I'm going to turn you on your side right now."

Answer

"Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths."

Answer

If you need one, this emesis basin is here.

Answer

"That is a common emotion. It will soon go.

Question 7

Which of the following must the nurse make sure the patient understands before the fiberoptic colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to consume the lavage solution orally or via nasogastric tube.

Answer

For a week previous to the procedure, the patient should consume less fluid.

Answer

After the lavage solution has been infused, the patient may continue taking regular medications, with the exception of anticoagulants.

Answer

Before the surgery, the patient must go at least 12 hours without eating.

Question 8

The nurse holds the needle with the bevel up before inserting it into the skin to begin an intravenous line. What is the rationale behind this method?

Accepted Answer

Less skin trauma results from it.

Answer

It lessens the possibility of the needle puncturing a vein.

Answer

It causes less pain for the patient.

Answer

It lessens the chance of infection.

Question 9

For a patient who has been diagnosed with anxiety connected to the surgery, which of the following is not a nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Make arrangements for a social worker to visit and remain with the patient.

Answer

Teach the patient relaxation skills so they can feel more at ease.

Answer

Encourage the sufferer to express their fears in words.

Answer

Remove any external stimuli that may be overstimulating.

Question 10

What sort of physical characteristics should a polycythemia patient with surgery present have?

Accepted Answer

A ruddy-blue appearance in the face, hands and feet

Answer

A bronze appearance on the chest and perineum

Answer

Pale appearance and flushed skin

Answer

Yellow appearance of the skin and sclera