Assisting with Interventions & Procedures Flashcards

After application of cryotherapy for retinal tears, the expected immediate tissue response observed by the surgeon is:

Answer: Blanching and whitening of the treated retinal tissue

Cryotherapy causes immediate blanching and whitening (ice ball formation) of the retinal and choroidal tissue at the treatment site, confirming adequate freeze application.

Which of the following best describes the assistant's responsibility when handling intraocular lenses (IOLs) during cataract surgery?

Answer: Following the manufacturer's guidelines for loading and handling to avoid contamination or damage

IOLs must be handled strictly per manufacturer instructions using appropriate instruments to avoid contamination of the optic or haptics, which could lead to complications.

During a trabeculectomy, a mitomycin C-soaked sponge is placed on the sclera. What special handling precaution must the surgical assistant observe?

Answer: Sponge should be handled with forceps and all MMC-saturated materials must be safely discarded per hazardous waste protocols

Mitomycin C is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent; all MMC-soaked materials must be handled with instruments (not bare hands) and disposed of as hazardous/chemotherapy waste.

When assisting with laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy, which contact lens is commonly used to provide a wide-field view of the retina?

Answer: Panfunduscope or wide-field lens such as the Mainster or Volk lens

Wide-field contact lenses such as the Mainster or Volk panfunduscope provide a broader view of the peripheral retina needed for panretinal photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy.

A patient undergoing a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) will have a silicone tube placed. What is the purpose of this tube?

Answer: To stent the newly created opening between the lacrimal sac and nasal cavity, keeping it patent during healing

Silicone stenting tubes maintain patency of the surgically created dacryocystorhinostomy opening during the healing period to prevent scarring and closure.

Before assisting with Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) injections for blepharospasm, what is the most important documentation the assistant should verify?

Answer: That informed consent has been signed and the correct dilution and dosage are confirmed

Informed consent and verification of the correct dilution and unit dosage of botulinum toxin are mandatory safety steps before injection to ensure safe and appropriate treatment.

During probing and irrigation of the nasolacrimal duct in an infant, the assistant's primary role is to:

Answer: Swaddle or restrain the infant safely and pass instruments to the physician as needed

The assistant safely restrains or ensures the infant is swaddled and immobile during the procedure and provides instruments to the physician on demand.