FREE VTNE Surgical Nursing Questions and Answers

Question 1

A veterinary technician is preparing a surgical pack for autoclaving. Which of the following is an essential step to ensure effective steam sterilization?

Accepted Answer

Placing a sterile indicator strip deep inside the most densely packed area.

Answer

A sterile indicator strip must be placed in the center or most challenging part of the pack to verify that steam has penetrated and achieved the necessary conditions for sterilization. Tightly sealing with non-porous tape would prevent steam penetration. Plastic containers are generally not used as they can melt or prevent steam contact. Box locks on instruments must be left open to allow steam to contact all surfaces.

Question 2

During an abdominal exploratory surgery on a 6-year-old Golden Retriever, the patient's end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) level sharply increases from 40 mm Hg to 65 mm Hg. The patient's other vital signs remain stable. What is the most likely cause of this change?

Accepted Answer

The patient is hypoventilating.

Answer

An elevated ETCO2, or hypercapnia, is a primary indicator of hypoventilation, meaning the patient is not eliminating carbon dioxide effectively. If the patient were too light, you would likely see an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate. An obstructed endotracheal tube would likely cause a drop in ETCO2 or an abnormal waveform. A drop in cardiac output would typically lead to a decrease in ETCO2.

Question 3

Which of the following suture materials is a synthetic absorbable monofilament, often chosen for closing the urinary bladder because it maintains good tensile strength and causes minimal tissue reaction?

Accepted Answer

Polydioxanone (PDS)

Answer

Polydioxanone (PDS) is a synthetic, absorbable monofilament suture known for its extended tensile strength retention and minimal tissue reactivity, making it an excellent choice for slow-healing tissues like the urinary bladder. Silk is a natural, non-absorbable braided suture. Chromic gut is a natural, absorbable suture but can cause more tissue reaction and is absorbed more quickly and unpredictably. Stainless steel is non-absorbable.

Question 4

A 2-year-old cat is recovering from an ovariohysterectomy. The owner calls the clinic 24 hours post-operatively, concerned that the cat is very quiet and has not eaten. The technician's most appropriate advice is to:

Accepted Answer

Reassure the owner that mild lethargy and a decreased appetite are normal for the first 24-48 hours and to continue monitoring.

Answer

It is common for pets to be lethargic, quiet, and have a reduced appetite for the first 24-48 hours following surgery and anesthesia. Reassuring the client and advising continued monitoring is the best initial step. Force-feeding can cause aspiration or food aversion. While complications are possible, this scenario is not immediately indicative of a serious problem requiring an emergency visit. Technicians should never advise over-the-counter medications without veterinary approval.

Question 5

When performing a surgical hand scrub, the technician should scrub their hands and arms in a way that ensures:

Accepted Answer

Water runs from the fingertips down to the elbows.

Answer

During a surgical scrub, hands must be held higher than the elbows to allow water to flow from the cleanest area (the fingertips) down towards the less clean area (the elbows), preventing contamination of the hands. An antiseptic agent should be used, and the scrubbing process should proceed from the fingertips down to the forearms.

VTNE - Veterinary Technician National Examination Practice Test

VTNE - Veterinary Technician National Examination Practice Test

FREE VTNE Surgical Nursing Questions and Answers