MT Surgical & Radiology Reports 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a surgeon dictates 'the fascia was closed in layers,' what does this indicate?
- Only the skin was sutured
- Multiple anatomical tissue layers were sutured separately (Correct answer)
- Staples were used for closure
- The wound was left open to heal by secondary intention
Correct answer: Multiple anatomical tissue layers were sutured separately
Closing in layers means each distinct anatomical layer (fascia, subcutaneous tissue, skin) was sutured individually.
Question 2: On a CT report, 'rim enhancement' after contrast administration most commonly suggests:
- Normal lymph node
- Solid benign mass
- Abscess or necrotic tumor (Correct answer)
- Calcification
Correct answer: Abscess or necrotic tumor
Rim enhancement indicates peripheral enhancement with central non-enhancement, a classic pattern of abscess or necrotic/cystic tumor.
Question 3: Which surgical instrument is used to hold the edges of a wound or incision open during a procedure?
- Hemostatic clamp
- Retractor (Correct answer)
- Trocar
- Bovie
Correct answer: Retractor
A retractor is used to hold tissue, organs, or wound edges apart to improve surgical exposure and visualization.
Question 4: In radiology transcription, 'interval change' refers to:
- A sudden acute finding
- Changes seen when comparing current imaging to prior studies (Correct answer)
- The time between contrast doses
- A measurement discrepancy
Correct answer: Changes seen when comparing current imaging to prior studies
Interval change describes any differences noted between the current radiologic study and previous imaging from a prior time interval.
Question 5: Which of the following is the correct expansion for 'ORIF'?
- Open repair and internal fixation
- Open reduction and internal fixation (Correct answer)
- Orthopedic repair with internal framework
- Operative reduction and immobilization with fixation
Correct answer: Open reduction and internal fixation
ORIF stands for open reduction and internal fixation, a surgical procedure to realign and stabilize fractured bones.
Question 6: A radiology report describes a lung nodule as 'spiculated.' This term means the nodule has:
- Smooth, well-defined borders
- Irregular, spike-like projections at its margins (Correct answer)
- Calcified edges
- A central cavity
Correct answer: Irregular, spike-like projections at its margins
Spiculated margins describe irregular, radiating projections from a nodule's edge, a feature associated with malignancy.
Question 7: Which section of an operative report documents the name and type of anesthetic administered?
- Preoperative diagnosis
- Anesthesia section (Correct answer)
- Findings
- Operative procedure
Correct answer: Anesthesia section
The anesthesia section of the operative report specifies the type of anesthesia (general, regional, local, MAC) used during the procedure.
MT Surgical & Radiology Reports 3
When a surgeon dictates 'the fascia was closed in layers,' what does this indicate?