NBSTSA Wound Management & Surgical Complications 4

Question 1

Which type of drain works by creating negative pressure to actively remove fluid from a wound cavity?

Accepted Answer

Jackson-Pratt drain

Answer

The Jackson-Pratt drain uses a bulb that is compressed to create negative pressure, actively suctioning fluid from the wound.

Question 2

A patient develops erythema, warmth, and purulent discharge from a laparotomy incision on postoperative day 4. The MOST likely causative organism is:

Accepted Answer

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of early postoperative surgical site infections, typically presenting within the first week.

Question 3

During abdominal surgery, the scrub technologist notices the surgeon inadvertently enters the bowel. The FIRST priority is to:

Accepted Answer

Isolate the contaminated area with laparotomy sponges

Answer

Isolating the contaminated site with laparotomy sponges prevents further spread of intestinal contents and limits peritoneal contamination.

Question 4

Which wound classification is assigned to a cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis without perforation?

Accepted Answer

Class III - Contaminated

Answer

Acute cholecystitis without perforation is classified as Class III (contaminated) because acute inflammation is present without a perforated viscus.

Question 5

A negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device is applied to a wound. The purpose of the foam dressing placed in the wound is to:

Accepted Answer

Distribute negative pressure evenly across the wound bed

Answer

The open-cell foam dressing in NPWT distributes negative pressure uniformly across the entire wound surface to promote granulation tissue formation.

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