OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Surgical Procedure Assistance 4

Question 1

The primary purpose of pulsed lavage (high-pressure irrigation) during orthopaedic surgery is to:

Accepted Answer

Remove debris, devitalized tissue, and bacteria to reduce infection risk

Answer

Pulsed lavage mechanically removes contaminants, devitalized tissue, and bacterial load from the surgical site to reduce infection risk.

Question 2

During a spine surgery in the prone position, which complication must the OT monitor for related to eye positioning?

Accepted Answer

Corneal abrasion and vision loss from direct pressure on the globes

Answer

Direct pressure on the orbits during prone positioning can cause central retinal artery occlusion or corneal abrasion, making proper head/eye support critical.

Question 3

An OT notes the tourniquet has been inflated for 115 minutes during a lower extremity case. The appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Alert the surgeon immediately so the tourniquet can be deflated and the limb reperfused

Answer

Tourniquet time beyond 90-120 minutes dramatically increases risk of nerve injury and ischemic damage; the surgeon must be alerted to consider deflation.

Question 4

Which of the following describes correct technique when using a mallet and chisel during orthopaedic surgery?

Accepted Answer

The surgeon controls both the chisel and mallet; the OT provides retraction only

Answer

The surgeon maintains full control of both the chisel and the mallet to ensure precise force application; the OT assists with exposure and retraction.

Question 5

During a total hip replacement, the OT is asked to apply traction to the leg. The purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Distract the hip joint to facilitate femoral head dislocation and acetabular exposure

Answer

Axial traction and rotation of the leg facilitates dislocation of the femoral head, exposing both the acetabulum and proximal femur for implant preparation.

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Test Practice Test

OTC Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Surgical Procedure Assistance 4