NBSTSA Preoperative & Postoperative Patient Care

Question 1

Which document must be completed and signed by the patient before a surgical procedure can legally proceed?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent form

Answer

An informed consent form must be signed by the patient (or legal guardian) before surgery, confirming the patient understands the procedure, risks, and alternatives.

Question 2

A patient is scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia. What is the standard NPO (nothing by mouth) guideline for clear liquids prior to elective surgery?

Accepted Answer

2 hours

Answer

Current ASA guidelines allow clear liquids up to 2 hours before elective procedures under general anesthesia to reduce aspiration risk.

Question 3

During the preoperative assessment, the surgical technologist notes the patient is taking warfarin. What is the primary concern with this medication in the perioperative period?

Accepted Answer

Increased bleeding risk

Answer

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, significantly increasing the risk of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding.

Question 4

Which preoperative skin preparation method is considered most effective for reducing surgical site infection (SSI)?

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate with alcohol

Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate with alcohol (CHG-alcohol) is the preferred skin antiseptic for surgical site preparation due to its persistent antimicrobial activity and broad-spectrum efficacy.

Question 5

The surgical technologist is performing a preoperative patient identification check. According to The Joint Commission, how many patient identifiers must be used?

Accepted Answer

Two

Answer

The Joint Commission requires a minimum of two patient identifiers (such as name and date of birth) before any procedure to prevent wrong-patient errors.

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