NBSTSA Preoperative & Postoperative Patient Care 4

Question 1

A patient states they took aspirin two days before their scheduled surgery. What is the primary concern for the surgical team?

Accepted Answer

Impaired platelet aggregation leading to increased bleeding risk

Answer

Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation for the platelet's lifespan (~7–10 days), significantly increasing intraoperative and postoperative bleeding risk.

Question 2

During the postoperative period, a patient develops sudden onset shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia. The surgical technologist should recognize these as potential signs of:

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, and tachycardia in the postoperative period are classic warning signs of pulmonary embolism requiring immediate intervention.

Question 3

Which lab value is most critical to review before a patient undergoes a procedure requiring general anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin and hematocrit

Answer

Hemoglobin and hematocrit assess the patient's oxygen-carrying capacity, which directly impacts anesthetic safety and tolerance of blood loss during surgery.

Question 4

A preoperative patient reports a shellfish allergy. Which intraoperative agent should be flagged for potential cross-reactivity?

Accepted Answer

Povidone-iodine

Answer

Povidone-iodine contains iodine, and while the exact cross-reactivity with shellfish allergy is debated, it is standard practice to flag and assess risk in patients with shellfish or iodine sensitivities.

Question 5

Postoperative wound dehiscence is most likely associated with which patient condition?

Accepted Answer

Malnutrition and poor protein intake

Answer

Malnutrition and inadequate protein intake impair collagen synthesis and tissue repair, significantly increasing the risk of wound dehiscence.

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

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

NBSTSA Preoperative & Postoperative Patient Care 4