CST Intraoperative Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary responsibility of a surgical technologist during a procedure?
- Adjust room temperature
- Speak with the patient's family
- Maintain the sterile field and anticipate surgeon needs (Correct answer)
- Prepare discharge paperwork
Correct answer: Maintain the sterile field and anticipate surgeon needs
The surgical technologist's primary responsibility is to maintain the sterile field, which is crucial for preventing surgical site infections. They also anticipate the surgeon's needs by having instruments and supplies ready, ensuring efficiency and a smooth, safe surgical procedure.
Question 2: What is the function of a surgical count?
- To reduce operating time
- To train new staff
- To ensure no instruments or sponges are left inside the patient (Correct answer)
- To review surgeon techniques
Correct answer: To ensure no instruments or sponges are left inside the patient
A surgical count is a meticulous process performed before, during, and after a procedure to account for all sponges, sharps, and instruments. This critical safety measure prevents retained surgical items within the patient, which can lead to severe complications, reoperation, and legal issues.
Question 3: Which instrument is used for clamping blood vessels?
- Scalpel
- Hemostat (Correct answer)
- Retractor
- Needle holder
Correct answer: Hemostat
A hemostat is a surgical instrument specifically designed to clamp blood vessels, thereby controlling bleeding during a procedure. Its serrated jaws and locking mechanism allow for secure grasping and compression of vessels, facilitating ligation or cauterization.
Question 4: What should be done if a breach in sterile technique occurs?
- Ignore it
- Report it after surgery
- Report and correct the breach immediately (Correct answer)
- Let the surgeon decide
Correct answer: Report and correct the breach immediately
A breach in sterile technique compromises the sterility of the surgical field, significantly increasing the risk of surgical site infection. Immediate reporting and correction are paramount to mitigate this risk, protect the patient from potential harm, and maintain the integrity of the surgical environment.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes electrocautery use?
- Used for irrigation
- Used to suction fluids
- Used to cut and cauterize tissue (Correct answer)
- Used for wound dressing
Correct answer: Used to cut and cauterize tissue
Electrocautery utilizes high-frequency electrical current to generate heat, which is applied to tissue for precise cutting and coagulation. This dual function allows surgeons to make incisions while simultaneously sealing blood vessels, effectively minimizing bleeding during the operation.
Question 6: What is a laparoscopic procedure?
- Surgery requiring large incisions
- Orthopedic-specific surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery using a camera and small incisions (Correct answer)
- Only used for emergency cases
Correct answer: Minimally invasive surgery using a camera and small incisions
A laparoscopic procedure is a type of minimally invasive surgery where a camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments are inserted through small incisions. This technique offers benefits such as reduced pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery with large incisions.
Question 7: Why is instrument passing technique important?
- To test hand-eye coordination
- To teach students
- To ensure efficiency and maintain sterility (Correct answer)
- To monitor surgical time
Correct answer: To ensure efficiency and maintain sterility
Proper instrument passing technique is crucial for both efficiency and maintaining sterility within the surgical field. It ensures the surgeon receives the correct instrument safely and without looking away, while also preventing accidental contamination or injury to the surgical team.
Question 8: When should suction be prepared?
- After surgery
- Before the incision is made (Correct answer)
- When the surgeon asks
- During closing
Correct answer: Before the incision is made
Suction equipment must be prepared and functional before the surgical incision is made to ensure immediate availability for fluid and blood removal. This readiness is essential for maintaining a clear surgical field, allowing the surgeon to visualize anatomy, and responding quickly to any unexpected bleeding.
Question 9: Which team member verifies implant information before use?
- Only the surgeon
- Anesthesia provider
- Surgical technologist and circulator (Correct answer)
- Reception staff
Correct answer: Surgical technologist and circulator
Both the surgical technologist and the circulating nurse are responsible for verifying implant information, including type, size, and expiration date, against the patient's chart and surgeon's orders. This dual verification process is a critical safety step to ensure the correct implant is used and to prevent errors.
CST Intraoperative Procedures 1
What is the primary responsibility of a surgical technologist during a procedure?