Certified Surgical Technologist Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a procedure, the surgeon asks for a clamp to grasp the fascia. Which of the following instruments is designed with sharp, interlocking teeth, making it suitable for securely holding this tough tissue, even though it is considered traumatic?

Accepted Answer

Allis clamp

Answer

The Allis clamp is designed with short, sharp, interlocking teeth to grasp tough, fibrous tissue like fascia or tissue that is being removed. [14, 8] It is considered a traumatic clamp. A Babcock clamp is atraumatic with fenestrated, rounded jaws for delicate tissues. [19] Foerster forceps are used for holding sponges, and DeBakey forceps are atraumatic and used for delicate vascular tissue.

Question 2

During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon notes that the abdomen is deflating and the pneumoperitoneum is difficult to maintain. The surgical technologist should anticipate a problem with which piece of equipment?

Accepted Answer

The insufflator

Answer

The insufflator is the device responsible for delivering CO2 gas to the abdominal cavity to create and maintain the pneumoperitoneum. [12, 21] A failure to maintain abdominal distention points directly to an issue with the insufflator, its settings, the CO2 tank, or the tubing and connections to the trocar.

Question 3

Which of the following instruments is primarily classified in the cutting and dissecting category?

Accepted Answer

Metzenbaum scissors

Answer

Metzenbaum scissors are designed for cutting and dissecting delicate tissues. [3, 2] The Weitlaner is a self-retaining retractor (retracting/exposing), DeBakey forceps are for grasping delicate tissue (grasping/holding), and the Poole suction tip is for aspirating fluid (suctioning/aspirating).

Question 4

On a ring-handled instrument, such as a hemostat or needle driver, what is the name of the interlocking mechanism that holds the jaws in a closed position?

Accepted Answer

Ratchet

Answer

The ratchet is the component with interlocking teeth located on the shanks of the instrument, which allows it to be locked at various degrees of pressure. [7, 16] The box lock is the hinge, the shank is the body, and the jaws are the working tips of the instrument.

Question 5

A surgical technologist is preparing powered instruments, such as a drill and saw, for decontamination after an orthopedic procedure. What is the MOST critical first step according to standard guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Disassemble the components and wipe them down, keeping the power unit/cable connections dry.

Answer

Powered surgical instruments cannot be fully submerged due to their electrical components. The correct initial step is to follow the manufacturer's Instructions for Use (IFU), which typically involves disassembling the device, wiping down the exterior, and manually cleaning attachments, while ensuring the power unit, cable, and battery housing remain dry to prevent damage. [31, 26]

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment Questions and Answers