Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Surgical Procedure Assistance Questions and Answers

Question 1

An Orthopaedic Technologist is assisting in a total hip arthroplasty using a posterior approach.
The surgeon places a retractor to expose the posterior acetabulum.
The technologist must be aware that this maneuver places which of the following nerves at the greatest risk of injury?

Accepted Answer

Sciatic nerve

Answer

Femoral nerve

Answer

Obturator nerve

Answer

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Question 2

What is the primary function of a pneumatic tourniquet when used during surgery on an extremity?

Accepted Answer

To create a bloodless (hemostatic) surgical field

Answer

To reduce the patient's metabolic rate

Answer

To provide regional anesthesia to the limb

Answer

To assist in the reduction of the fracture

Question 3

A scrubbed Orthopaedic Technologist is assisting in an intramedullary nailing of a femur. Which of the following actions would constitute a break in sterile technique?

Accepted Answer

Clasping hands together and holding them below waist level

Answer

Facing the sterile field at all times

Answer

Passing another scrubbed team member back-to-back

Answer

Adjusting the overhead surgical light with sterile handles

Question 4

During an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedure, the surgeon drills a hole through a bone cortex and then uses a depth gauge. What is the direct purpose of using the depth gauge at this stage?

Accepted Answer

To determine the appropriate length of the screw to be used

Answer

To select the correct diameter for the drill bit

Answer

To confirm the fracture has been adequately reduced

Answer

To measure the density of the bone

Question 5

When passing a sharp instrument, such as a #10 blade on a scalpel handle, to the surgeon, what is the MOST accepted safety practice?

Accepted Answer

Placing it firmly in a designated 'neutral zone' on the sterile field

Answer

Handing it to the surgeon with the blade pointed towards them for easy access

Answer

Tapping the surgeon's hand with it to get their attention

Answer

Holding it by the blade and offering the handle to the surgeon

Question 6

An Orthopaedic Technologist is preparing a patient's leg for a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following is most commonly used as the primary antiseptic agent for the surgical skin prep?

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)

Answer

Sterile saline

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol 70% alone