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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

NBSTSA CST Exam Questions

Page 4 of 25

61.

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate method for cleaning blood spills on the operating room floor?

  • Using an approved disinfectant cleaner following the spill kit instructions

  • Covering the spill with towels to immediate wick blood away from the floor

  • Immediately mopping the area with water

  • Allowing the blood to dry or congeal before cleaning to reduce the risk of splashing

Correct answer: Using an approved disinfectant cleaner following the spill kit instructions

Using an approved disinfectant cleaner according to the spill kit instructions ensures the elimination of pathogens, adheres to health and safety guidelines, and is designed specifically for such biohazardous situations, making it the most effective and safe approach.

Covering the spill with towels may temporarily absorb the blood but does not disinfect the area, leaving potential pathogens on the floor and posing a risk of cross-contamination. 

Immediately mopping the area with water will not eliminate pathogens as effectively as using an approved disinfectant cleaner that is part of a spill kit. 

Allowing the blood to dry or congeal before cleaning fails to address the immediate need to decontaminate the area properly.

62.

After opening a sterile instrument tray, what is most important for the surgical technologist to do to maintain the sterility of the instruments?

  • Ensure the tray remains within the sterile field boundaries

  • Immediately cover the tray with a sterile drape

  • Inspect each instrument individually before use

  • Place the tray at the edge of the sterile field for easy access

Correct answer: Ensure the tray remains within the sterile field boundaries

Keeping the tray within the boundaries of the sterile field is crucial to maintain sterility and prevent contamination from the surrounding environment.

Covering the tray with a sterile drape is unnecessary if it will be used promptly and can actually increase contamination risk through additional handling. While coving the tray with a sterile drape may help maintain the sterility of the instruments in some situations, ensure the tray remains within the sterile field boundaries is more important. 

While inspection is important to ensure the instruments are functioning correctly, the question focuses on maintaining sterility after opening, which is ensured by proper placement within the sterile field. 

Placing the tray at the edge of the sterile field risks contamination. The tray should be placed well within the boundaries to maintain sterility.

63.

In the context of tissue handling during a surgical procedure, why is it important to apply the principle of traction and countertraction?

  • It minimizes tissue damage and facilitates precise dissection

  • It ensures faster surgical procedures by allowing more rapid dissection

  • It reduces the number of instruments needed for the procedure

  • It allows for the use of larger retractors for better visibility

Correct answer: It minimizes tissue damage and facilitates precise dissection

Traction and countertraction help expose the surgical field more clearly and reduce the need for excessive force, thereby minimizing tissue damage and enhancing precision during dissection.

Although traction and countertraction can expedite the procedure by providing better visibility and ease of dissection, speeding up the procedure is not the primary benefit it provides. 

This technique does not necessarily reduce the number of instruments needed; its main purpose is to aid in more precise and safer dissection. 

Larger retractors can be used more effectively with this technique, but the primary advantage is not improved visibility alone; it's the reduction of tissue trauma.

64.

A patient with a lower extremity fracture that was not corrected during the surgery needs to be transferred from the operating table to a stretcher. What special consideration is needed for this transfer?

  • Ensure the fractured extremity is supported and immobilized during the transfer

  • Transfer the patient without any special equipment

  • Allow the patient to assist with the transfer to decrease the load

  • Use only two staff members to minimize crowding around the patient during the transfer

Correct answer: Ensure the fractured extremity is supported and immobilized during the transfer

While transferring a patient who has a fractured extremity is uncommon after surgery, this situation can occur sometime in trauma where the surgery is addressing something that has a higher priority than the extremity fracture. Supporting and immobilizing the fractured extremity in these situations is crucial to prevent displacement of the fracture or increased pain.

Transferring without taking the fracture into consideration could cause further injury. Allowing the patient to assist, especially with a lower extremity fracture, can risk further injury. The number of staff members should be based on the patient's needs and safety, not on minimizing crowding.

65.

 A 55-year-old patient scheduled for a cholecystectomy is found to have a gallbladder located beneath the left lobe of the liver instead of the usual right-sided location. This condition is known as which of the following?

  • Left-sided gallbladder

  • Cholecystitis

  • Situs inversus

  • Biliary atresia

Correct answer: Left-sided gallbladder

A gallbladder located beneath the left lobe of the liver instead of the typical right side is a rare anatomical variation and is called a left-sided gallbladder.

Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, not a positional variation. Situs inversus is another rare condition where all internal organs are mirrored from their normal positions, not just the gallbladder. Biliary atresia involves a blockage in the bile ducts, not a positional change of the gallbladder.

66.

What is the MOST important consideration when selecting a thermal ablation method for liver tumor surgery?

  • The size and location of the tumor

  • The size of the patient

  • The preference of the surgical technologist

  • The availability of post-operative care

Correct answer: The size and location of the tumor

The size and location of the tumor are critical in choosing an appropriate thermal ablation technique to ensure effective treatment and minimal damage to surrounding tissues.

The size of the patient is less relevant to the choice of thermal ablation method for liver tumors, as this decision is primarily based on tumor-specific characteristics rather than patient body size. 

The preference of the surgical technologist is not a clinical factor in the decision-making process for thermal ablation methods. 

Although post-operative care availability is important for overall treatment planning, it doesn't directly influence the choice of thermal ablation method.

67.

After a laparotomy, the surgical team notices slight skin irritation around the wound edges. Which action is MOST appropriate when dressing this wound?

  • Use a skin barrier film around the wound edges before applying the dressing

  • Apply a dressing with adhesive directly on the irritated skin to secure it

  • Cover the entire area with an antibiotic ointment before dressing

  • Select a dressing impregnated with alcohol to disinfect the area

Correct answer: Use a skin barrier film around the wound edges before applying the dressing

A skin barrier film can protect the irritated skin from further damage by adhesives or the dressing itself, promoting healing and preventing further irritation.

Applying adhesive directly on irritated skin can further damage the skin and increase discomfort. Antibiotic ointment is not generally applied over large areas of skin without a specific indication and can cause further irritation or allergic reactions. Alcohol-impregnated dressings can dry out the skin and exacerbate irritation, making them unsuitable for already irritated skin.

68.

After a vascular surgery, the surgical technologist notices continuous oozing of blood from the surgical site that does not appear to clot. What is the MOST appropriate initial response?

  • Report the observation to the surgeon immediately

  • Understand that minor bleeding is normal after surgery and is to be expected

  • Apply a bandage to the site to observe if the bleeding stops

  • Check the patient's medical record for anticoagulant use

Correct answer: Report the observation to the surgeon immediately

Immediate reporting is necessary for rapid assessment and potential intervention to address the bleeding.

While some bleeding can be expected, continuous oozing that does not clot could indicate a serious complication. 

While applying a bandage may be part of postoperative care, it does not address the urgency of continuous bleeding that doesn’t clot. 

Although relevant, the first step should be to report the bleeding. Checking the medical record can be done concurrently but should not delay reporting.

69.

During the transfer of a patient from the operating table to a stretcher, what is the BEST way to ensure the patient's dignity is maintained?

  • Cover the patient with drapes or blankets

  • Complete the transfer as quickly as possible

  • Use sufficient staff to support the patient's body fully

  • Explain the transfer process to the patient beforehand

Correct answer: Cover the patient with drapes or blankets

Covering the patient ensures privacy and maintains dignity during the transfer, regardless of the patient's level of consciousness.

Speed is less important than the patient's safety and dignity. While important for safety, having sufficient staff does not specifically address the patient's dignity. Explanation is important if the patient is conscious but does not directly addresses maintaining dignity during the transfer.

70.

When caring for an immunocompromised patient undergoing surgery, what is the MOST critical action for the surgical technologist to take during preoperative preparation?

  • Limiting the number of personnel in the operating room

  • Selecting the sharpest instruments available to reduce tissue damage

  • Applying additional surgical drapes to the patient

  • Ensuring all team members are up to date with their vaccinations

Correct answer: Limiting the number of personnel in the operating room

Reducing the number of personnel in the operating room minimizes the risk of infection for immunocompromised patients, which is a critical consideration for their safety.

While using sharp instruments is a general best practice to minimize tissue damage, it is not the most critical action specific to the care of immunocompromised patients. 

Applying additional surgical drapes does not directly reduce the risk of infection for immunocompromised patients, which is a primary concern. 

Ensuring vaccination status of team members is important for overall infection control, but it does not directly address the immediate environmental control needed for immunocompromised patients in the operating room.

71.

During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon requests an instrument that was not initially part of the sterile field. What is the BEST method to introduce this instrument aseptically?

  • Have a circulating nurse use sterile technique to introduce the instrument onto the sterile field

  • Have a circulating nurse pass the instrument directly to the surgeon.

  • Place the instrument in a solution of sterile saline before handing it to the surgeon

  • Wipe the instrument with an antiseptic wipe and allow at least a two minute dwell time before passing it to the surgeon

Correct answer: Have a circulating nurse use sterile technique to introduce the instrument onto the sterile field

Having a circulating nurse use sterile technique to introduce the instrument onto the sterile field is the best practice for maintaining asepsis. This approach minimizes the risk of infection and adheres to the principles of surgical asepsis.

Having a circulating nurse pass the instrument directly to the surgeon is not the best practice because the circulating nurse is not part of the sterile field. Direct transfer without proper sterile technique risks contaminating the instrument and the sterile field, increasing the risk of infection. 

Placing the instrument in a solution of sterile saline before handing it to the surgeon does not ensure that the entire instrument is sterile. 

Wiping the instrument with an antiseptic wipe and allowing a dwell time before passing it to the surgeon might reduce the bioburden on the instrument but does not ensure it is sterile.

72.

A patient is scheduled for a thyroidectomy. Which of the following positions would be most appropriate for this procedure?

  • Supine position with a shoulder roll

  • Prone position

  • Thyroid-extended position

  • Lateral decubitus position

Correct answer: Supine position with a shoulder roll

The supine position with a shoulder roll under the shoulders helps to extend the neck, providing better exposure of the thyroid area for the procedure.

The prone position is used for surgeries on the back or posterior part of the body and is not suitable for a thyroidectomy. 

The thyroid-extended position is not the name of a recognized surgical position. 

The lateral decubitus position is used for surgeries on the side of the body, like thoracic or kidney surgeries, and would not provide proper access for a thyroidectomy.

73.

For effective drainage, how should the surgical technologist position a drainage reservoir relative to the patient?

  • Below the level of the surgical site to enhance effectiveness

  • Above the level of the surgical site to facilitate drainage

  • At the same level as the surgical site to equalize pressure

  • Positioning of the reservoir never affects the effectiveness of suction

Correct answer: Below the level of the surgical site to enhance effectiveness

Positioning the reservoir below the surgical site uses gravity to assist in the drainage process, enhancing the effectiveness of the suction. The effect of this positioning will vary based on the type of reservoir used and will have minimal impact if suction is used; however, it will still have some effect.

Placing the reservoir above the surgical site would hinder, not facilitate, drainage. Equalizing pressure does not optimize the effectiveness of  drainage. The positioning of the reservoir plays a role in the effectiveness of the drainage, especially in systems where gravity plays a primary role.

74.

A patient is scheduled for a peripheral vascular bypass surgery on the leg. In addition to standard surgical site preparation, which of the following is an important consideration to prevent post-operative complications?

  • Ensuring the entire leg, from the groin to the ankle, is prepped

  • Application of a heating pad to the site prior to incision

  • Covering the prepped area with sterile gauze until the surgery begins

  • Dry shaving the surgical site the night before surgery

Correct answer: Ensuring the entire leg, from the groin to the ankle, is prepped

For peripheral vascular bypass surgery, it is important to prep the entire leg from groin to ankle to ensure that any adjustments in the incision site can be accommodated without the risk of contamination.

Application of a heating pad is not typically recommended as part of surgical site preparation because it does not contribute to reducing microbial flora and may cause burns. 

While covering the prepped area with sterile gauze can protect the area, it is not a substitute for adequate preparation of the entire surgical field. 

Dry shaving the site the night before can increase the risk of surgical site infections due to microabrasions and is not recommended as part of surgical site preparation practices.

75.

What is the MOST important reason for properly securing electrical cords away from the surgical site?

  • To ensure that the cords do not come into contact with sterile surfaces

  • To reduce the risk of electrical interference with monitoring equipment

  • To prevent tripping hazards in the operating room

  • To maintain the aesthetic appearance of the surgical area

Correct answer: To ensure that the cords do not come into contact with sterile surfaces

The primary reason for securing electrical cords away from the surgical site is to prevent contamination of sterile surfaces, which could lead to infection or other complications. This aligns with the overarching goal of maintaining a sterile environment around the patient.

While reducing electrical interference is important, it is not the primary concern related to the placement of electrical cords in relation to sterility and patient safety. 

Preventing tripping hazards is crucial for overall safety but is secondary to the imperative of maintaining sterility at the surgical site. 

The aesthetic appearance of the surgical area is the least of concerns when considering the purpose of securing electrical cords.

76.

Which of the following is a critical step when testing the integrity of a pneumatic tourniquet before surgery?

  • Ensuring the air hose has no leaks

  • Verifying the correct size of the tourniquet cuff for the patient

  • Testing the battery life of the pneumatic device

  • Checking the range of motion of the affected limb

Correct answer: Ensuring the air hose has no leaks

A leak in the air hose could lead to a failure in maintaining adequate pressure, compromising patient safety and the effectiveness of the tourniquet.

While important, selecting the correct cuff size is a preparation step, not a test of the pneumatic system's integrity. Pneumatic tourniquets are typically powered by a compressed air source, not batteries. Checking the range of motion is part of patient assessment, not a direct concern for the functionality of the pneumatic tourniquet.

77.

When preparing a set of ophthalmic instruments for sterilization, which of the following packaging materials would be MOST appropriate to maintain sterility and ensure no damage to the instruments?

  • A hard-shell case specifically designed for delicate instruments

  • Standard textile wraps

  • Regular paper bags

  • Sterile silk wraps

Correct answer: A hard-shell case specifically designed for delicate instruments

A hard-shell case specifically designed for delicate instruments provides the best protection against physical damage while maintaining sterility, making it the most appropriate choice for ophthalmic instruments.

Standard textile wraps may not provide sufficient protection against physical damage for delicate instruments. Regular paper bags do not offer the necessary protection or sterility for delicate surgical instruments. Sterile silk wraps are not commonly used to maintain sterility.

78.

A surgical team is using a high-frequency ultrasound (HIFU) device for tumor ablation. What is the key advantage of HIFU over traditional thermal ablation techniques?

  • It allows for precise targeting of tumor cells

  • It can be used without anesthesia

  • It is more cost-effective

  • Recovery times are significantly shorter

Correct answer: It allows for precise targeting of tumor cells

HIgh-Frequency Ultrasound's (HIFU) primary advantage is its ability to precisely target and destroy tumor cells with minimal thermal impact on surrounding healthy tissues due to its focus on high-energy sound waves.

Anesthesia requirements depend on the procedure and patient tolerance, not the ablation technique. 

Cost-effectiveness varies based on the healthcare setting, procedure complexity, and other factors and is not the key advantage of HIFU. 

Recovery times can vary based on many factors, including the patient's overall health, the size and location of the tumor, and the extent of the procedure. While HIFU may offer benefits in this area, it's not the key distinguishing advantage.

79.

During a total knee arthroplasty, the surgical technologist is responsible for verifying the implant size. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action to ensure the correct size is used?

  • Confirm the size with the surgeon before the procedure begins

  • Verify the size with the surgeon as insertion of the implant is beginning

  • Verify the implant size with the circulating nurse

  • Use clinical discretion to determine if the size on the pre-operative plan is correct

Correct answer: Confirm the size with the surgeon before the procedure begins

Verifying the implant size with the surgeon before the procedure begins ensures both parties are in agreement on the size, minimizing the risk of using an incorrect implant.

Verifying the size as the implant insertion is beginning is less effective because it is likely to be too late to make adjustments without affecting the flow of the surgery. 

While the circulating nurse is an important member of the surgical team, the ultimate responsibility for the size of the implant lies with the surgeon, making direct verification with the surgeon more appropriate. 

Using clinical discretion to determine if the size on the pre-operative plan is correct bypasses the critical step of verification with the surgeon, increasing the risk of error.

80.

When transporting a patient to the operating room, what is the MOST important safety consideration?

  • Making sure the side rails are up on the transport stretcher

  • Ensuring the patient’s chart is with the bed

  • Confirming the identity of the patient before transport

  • Covering the patient with a warm blanket

Correct answer: Making sure the side rails are up on the transport stretcher

Ensuring that the side rails are up is a fundamental and immediately relevant safety measure to prevent the patient from falling off the stretcher during transport, making it the most critical safety consideration.

While having the patient’s chart available is important for documentation and communication, it is not the most critical safety consideration during transport. 

Confirming the patient's identity is a critical step before performing any procedure but is not directly related to the physical safety of transporting the patient. 

Providing warmth is important for patient comfort, but it is not the primary safety consideration during transport.

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