NBSTSA Surgical Instrumentation & Equipment 5

Question 1

Which electrosurgical unit (ESU) mode uses a continuous waveform to provide hemostasis through tissue coagulation?

Accepted Answer

Coag mode

Answer

Coag mode delivers an intermittent, high-voltage waveform that desiccates and coagulates tissue proteins to achieve hemostasis.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a grooved director during surgery?

Accepted Answer

To guide a scalpel when incising along a structure

Answer

A grooved director is placed under a structure (such as a sinus tract or fistula) to guide and protect underlying tissue while the overlying tissue is incised.

Question 3

A bipolar electrosurgical forceps differs from monopolar ESU because it:

Accepted Answer

Passes current only between its two tips, limiting spread

Answer

Bipolar ESU confines current between the two forceps tips, making it safer near delicate structures such as nerves and in patients with implanted electronic devices.

Question 4

The Penrose drain is categorized as which type of drain?

Accepted Answer

Passive open drain

Answer

The Penrose is a soft latex tube that drains passively by capillary action and gravity without any suction mechanism.

Question 5

When setting up a pneumatic tourniquet for an extremity procedure, the cuff should be placed:

Accepted Answer

At the widest circumference of the extremity, proximal to the operative site

Answer

The cuff is placed at the widest part of the limb proximal to the surgical site to evenly distribute pressure and protect neurovascular structures.

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 5