Certified Surgical Technologist Wound Closure and Postoperative Management

Question 1

Which of the following suture materials is absorbable?

Accepted Answer

Polyglactin (Vicryl)

Answer

Polyglactin (Vicryl) is a synthetic absorbable suture that is broken down by hydrolysis over approximately 56–70 days.

Question 2

The primary advantage of monofilament sutures over braided (multifilament) sutures is:

Accepted Answer

Less tissue drag and reduced risk of harboring infection

Answer

Monofilament sutures have a smooth surface that produces less tissue drag and fewer interstices where bacteria can colonize, lowering infection risk.

Question 3

What does the 'size' designation of a suture (e.g., 2-0, 4-0) indicate?

Accepted Answer

Diameter of the suture material

Answer

Suture size refers to the diameter of the strand; higher numbers after a dash (e.g., 4-0) indicate smaller diameter sutures.

Question 4

Retention (tension) sutures are used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Provide additional support to a wound at high risk for dehiscence

Answer

Retention sutures are large, widely placed sutures that reinforce fascial closure in obese, malnourished, or high-risk patients to prevent wound dehiscence.

Question 5

Skin staples used for wound closure are primarily composed of:

Accepted Answer

Stainless steel

Answer

Standard surgical skin staples are made of stainless steel, which is biocompatible, strong, and causes minimal tissue reaction.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Wound Closure and Postoperative Management