Certified Surgical Technologist Intraoperative Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A surgical technologist is preparing a specimen of a breast biopsy for permanent section. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action for preserving the specimen?

Accepted Answer

Place it in a container with formalin.

Answer

For a permanent section, tissue specimens are typically placed in a preservative solution, most commonly 10% formalin, to prevent autolysis and preserve the cellular architecture for later histopathological examination. Dry containers are used for specimens like stones or when special studies are needed. Saline is used for keeping tissue moist for a short period, such as for a frozen section, but not for long-term preservation.

Question 2

During a laparotomy, the surgeon requests irrigation. The surgical technologist has 1,000 mL of sterile normal saline on the back table. After pouring some into a basin, 300 mL remains in the original bottle. The surgeon uses an unmeasured amount from the basin. Later, the circulator adds another 500 mL to the back table supply. At the end of the case, 600 mL is left on the back table. How much irrigation was used?

Accepted Answer

900 mL

Answer

To calculate the amount of irrigation used, track the total amount delivered to the sterile field and subtract the amount remaining. Initial amount: 1,000 mL. Added amount: 500 mL. Total on field: 1,000 + 500 = 1,500 mL. Amount remaining: 600 mL. Amount used: 1,500 mL (total) - 600 mL (remaining) = 900 mL.

Question 3

A patient begins to exhibit muscle rigidity, tachycardia, and a rapid rise in end-tidal CO2 shortly after the administration of succinylcholine and sevoflurane. Which of the following is the primary pharmacological agent required to treat this condition?

Accepted Answer

Dantrolene

Answer

The patient's symptoms are classic signs of a Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) crisis, a rare but life-threatening reaction to certain anesthetic agents. Dantrolene sodium is the specific antidote for MH, as it works by inhibiting calcium ion release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle cells, thereby reversing the hypermetabolic state. Sodium bicarbonate may be used to treat metabolic acidosis associated with MH, but it is not the primary treatment.

Question 4

Which of the following describes the correct procedure for the surgical technologist when passing a medication to the surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Announce the medication's name and strength as it is being passed.

Answer

To ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors, the surgical technologist must clearly state the name and strength of the medication aloud as it is being passed to the surgeon. This verbal confirmation is a critical step in the medication administration process on the sterile field, reinforcing the visual label on the syringe or container.

Question 5

When performing the closing count for sponges and sharps, the surgical technologist and the circulator discover a discrepancy. A laparotomy sponge is missing. What is the immediate, primary action that should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the surgeon.

Answer

Patient safety is the absolute priority. If a count is incorrect, the surgeon must be notified immediately. The surgeon will then typically direct a systematic search of the wound, sterile field, and surrounding area. Documenting and ordering an X-ray are subsequent steps, but the first action is to inform the surgeon so the search can begin without delay.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Intraoperative Procedures Questions and Answers