CST Preoperative Preparation

Question 1

What is the primary goal of preoperative skin preparation?

Accepted Answer

Reducing microbial count near the incision site

Answer

The primary goal of preoperative skin preparation, often called 'prepping,' is to significantly reduce the number of microorganisms on the patient's skin around the planned incision site. This critical aseptic technique minimizes the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) by preventing bacteria from entering the surgical wound during the procedure, ensuring patient safety.

Question 2

Why is the patient NPO before surgery?

Accepted Answer

To prevent aspiration during anesthesia

Answer

Patients are required to be NPO (Nil per os, meaning 'nothing by mouth') before surgery to prevent pulmonary aspiration. During anesthesia, the body's protective reflexes, such as the gag reflex, are suppressed. If there is food or liquid in the stomach, it can be regurgitated and then aspirated into the lungs, leading to severe respiratory complications like pneumonia.

Question 3

Which item must be verified before transporting a patient to the OR?

Accepted Answer

Surgical site and patient identity

Answer

Verifying the surgical site and patient identity is a critical safety measure known as the 'time-out' or Universal Protocol. This step prevents wrong-site, wrong-procedure, or wrong-patient errors, ensuring the correct surgery is performed on the correct individual.

Question 4

What is the purpose of preoperative shaving?

Accepted Answer

To reduce microbial presence near the site

Answer

The primary purpose of preoperative hair removal (often clipping rather than shaving) is to reduce the number of microorganisms on the patient's skin. This minimizes the risk of bacteria entering the surgical incision, thereby preventing surgical site infections and promoting better patient outcomes.

Question 5

Which antiseptic is commonly used in surgical skin prep?

Accepted Answer

Povidone-iodine

Answer

Povidone-iodine is a widely used antiseptic for surgical skin preparation due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi on the skin, significantly reducing the microbial load and lowering the risk of surgical site infections.

(CST) Certified Surgical Technician Practice Test

(CST) Certified Surgical Technician Practice Test

CST Preoperative Preparation