VTNE Surgical Nursing Procedures 5

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of the circulating nurse/technician during surgery?

Accepted Answer

Remains outside the sterile field, manages non-sterile supplies, and coordinates the OR environment

Answer

The circulating technician works outside the sterile field, managing non-sterile tasks such as opening supplies, adjusting lighting, and supporting the team.

Question 2

A surgical patient develops a temperature of 40.5°C (104.9°F) 36 hours after surgery. Which post-operative complication should be considered FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Surgical site infection

Answer

Fever developing 24–72 hours post-operatively is classically associated with surgical site infection or systemic infection.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly describes the difference between sterilization and disinfection?

Accepted Answer

Sterilization destroys all microorganisms including spores; disinfection reduces microbial numbers but may not eliminate spores

Answer

Sterilization achieves complete destruction of all microorganisms including spores, while disinfection reduces the microbial load but may not eliminate resistant spores.

Question 4

When performing a final instrument count at the end of surgery, the scrub tech and circulating tech find one sponge is unaccounted for. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Alert the surgeon immediately and search the wound and surrounding field before closing

Answer

A discrepancy in sponge count requires immediate notification of the surgeon and a thorough search of the wound before closure to prevent retained foreign body.

Question 5

Which of the following suture removal timelines is appropriate for a routine skin closure on the trunk of a dog?

Accepted Answer

7–10 days

Answer

Skin sutures on the trunk of a dog are typically removed at 7–10 days once adequate tensile strength has been achieved by the healing tissue.

VTNE - Veterinary Technician National Examination Practice Test

VTNE - Veterinary Technician National Examination Practice Test

VTNE Surgical Nursing Procedures 5