COT - Certified Ophthalmic Technician Surgical Assisting Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

While setting up the instrument tray for a chalazion excision, a sterile cotton-tipped applicator rolls off the edge of the sterile drape but is caught before it hits the floor. What is the most appropriate action for the surgical assistant to take?

Accepted Answer

Discard the applicator and obtain a new sterile one.

Answer

Any item that breaches the boundary of the sterile field is considered contaminated, regardless of whether it touched an obviously non-sterile surface like the floor. The principle of asepsis requires erring on the side of caution to prevent surgical site infections.

Question 2

During a cataract extraction procedure, the surgeon needs to create a continuous circular opening in the anterior lens capsule. Which of the following instruments would the surgeon most likely request for this specific step, known as capsulorhexis?

Accepted Answer

Utrata forceps

Answer

Utrata forceps, also known as capsulorhexis forceps, are specifically designed with fine, grasping tips to grip and tear the anterior lens capsule in a controlled, circular manner to perform a capsulorhexis. A cystotome, a type of bent needle, can also be used for this step.

Question 3

A technician is preparing a patient for cataract surgery. The patient has signed the consent form, but while reviewing the procedure, they state, "I'm a little nervous because I don't really understand what the doctor is going to do with the new lens." What is the technician's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Pause all preparations and inform the surgeon that the patient has further questions and may not fully understand the procedure.

Answer

Informed consent is a communication process, not just a signature on a form. If a patient expresses a lack of understanding, it indicates that true informed consent has not been achieved. The technician's duty is to stop the process and notify the surgeon, who is ultimately responsible for ensuring the patient fully comprehends the procedure, risks, and benefits before moving forward.

Question 4

A retrobulbar block is a type of local anesthesia used for intraocular surgery. Where is the anesthetic agent injected to achieve this block?

Accepted Answer

Into the cone-shaped area behind the globe, containing the optic nerve and extraocular muscles.

Answer

A retrobulbar injection places anesthetic into the retrobulbar space, which is the muscle cone located behind the eye (globe). This effectively blocks sensory and motor nerves to the eye, providing profound anesthesia and akinesia (lack of movement) for surgery.

Question 5

Which of the following is a critical step in preparing a patient's eye immediately before an intravitreal injection to minimize the risk of endophthalmitis?

Accepted Answer

Application of povidone-iodine to the ocular surface and lids.

Answer

The application of an antiseptic, most commonly povidone-iodine, to the ocular surface, eyelids, and lashes is the most important step in preventing post-injection endophthalmitis. This significantly reduces the bacterial load on and around the eye before the needle enters the globe.

COT - Certified Ophthalmic Technician Practice Test

COT - Certified Ophthalmic Technician Practice Test

COT - Certified Ophthalmic Technician Surgical Assisting Procedures Questions and Answers