NBSTSA Surgical Instrumentation & Equipment

Question 1

Which type of scissors are used to cut suture material rather than tissue?

Accepted Answer

Mayo scissors

Answer

Mayo scissors have heavy, straight or curved blades designed for cutting thick suture material and fascia, not delicate tissue.

Question 2

A Bookwalter retractor system is best classified as which type of retractor?

Accepted Answer

Self-retaining retractor

Answer

The Bookwalter is a self-retaining ring retractor system that attaches to the OR table and holds abdominal walls open without requiring an assistant.

Question 3

What is the proper method for counting instruments during a surgical procedure according to AORN guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Perform initial count before surgery, then count at closure of each body cavity and final skin closure

Answer

AORN guidelines require instrument counts before the procedure begins, at closure of each body cavity, at final skin closure, and whenever the scrub person changes.

Question 4

The Penrose drain is correctly described as a:

Accepted Answer

Passive soft rubber tube drain

Answer

A Penrose drain is a passive, soft latex rubber flat tube that drains wound secretions by capillary action and gravity without suction.

Question 5

What does the term 'cutting' refer to in the context of electrosurgical units (ESU)?

Accepted Answer

A continuous low-voltage, high-frequency current that rapidly heats cells to vaporize them

Answer

The cutting mode uses continuous, low-voltage, high-frequency current that heats intracellular water rapidly, vaporizing cells for precise cutting.

NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Practice Test

NBSTSA - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Practice Test

NBSTSA Surgical Instrumentation & Equipment