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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

NBSTSA CST Exam Questions

Page 5 of 25

81.

During a cesarean section, initial incision through the skin and subcutaneous tissue primarily exposes which layer?

  • Fascia

  • Muscle

  • Peritoneum

  • Uterus

Correct answer: Fascia

The initial incision in a cesarean section through skin and subcutaneous tissue primarily exposes the fascia, which is a layer of connective tissue covering the abdominal muscles.

The muscle layer is beneath the fascia and not immediately exposed by the initial incision in a cesarean section. The peritoneum is below the fascia and muscle layers and is exposed later in the procedure, not initially. The uterus is the ultimate focus of the procedure but is not exposed directly after the initial skin and subcutaneous tissue incision.

82.

Before packaging a surgical instrument set for sterilization, what is the ESSENTIAL preparatory step?

  • Lubrication of all moving parts

  • Application of a rust inhibitor

  • Attaching a chemical indicator to each instrument

  • Tightening of all screws and fastenings

Correct answer: Lubrication of all moving parts

Lubrication of all moving parts before packaging is essential to ensure that instruments remain functional and protected against corrosion during sterilization and storage.

Application of a rust inhibitor may be part of instrument maintenance but is not typically an important preparatory step before packaging for sterilization. 

Attaching a chemical indicator to each instrument is important for monitoring sterilization efficacy but is a step that occurs during the packaging process, not as a preparatory action. 

Tightening of all screws and fastenings is important when necessary but is not a routine step focused on ensuring functionality.

83.

What is the PRIMARY purpose of using a phacoemulsification device in ophthalmic surgery?

  • To fragment and aspirate the lens during cataract surgery

  • To coagulate blood vessels and reduce intraoperative bleeding

  • To measure intraocular pressure accurately

  • To provide illumination within the anterior chamber

Correct answer: To fragment and aspirate the lens during cataract surgery

The primary purpose of phacoemulsification is to fragment and aspirate the lens, particularly in cases of cataract, allowing for the removal of the lens with minimal incisions.

Coagulating blood vessels is not the primary function of a phacoemulsification device; other instruments or techniques are used for hemostasis in ophthalmic surgery. 

Measuring intraocular pressure is not the primary function of a phacoemulsification device. 

While illumination is necessary for ophthalmic surgeries, it is not the primary function of a phacoemulsification device; specialized lighting or an operating microscope provides illumination.

84.

In preparing the operating room for a surgery that involves a high risk of infection, such as a bowel resection, what is the MOST important environmental preparation?

  • Ensuring all surfaces have been correctly wiped down with an approved disinfectant

  • Lowering the lights to a comfortable brightness for the surgeon

  • Setting the temperature to a cooler setting to inhibit bacterial growth

  • Arranging for additional sterile drapes to be on hand

Correct answer: Ensuring all surfaces have been correctly wiped down with an approved disinfectant

Proper disinfection of all surfaces is critical in surgeries with a high risk of infection, such as bowel resection, to prevent postoperative infections.

While the surgeon's comfort is important, it does not directly impact infection control measures. 

Temperature control during surgery is not typically determined by infection control consideration but by other factors. 

Having additional sterile drapes is good practice, but it is not as directly related to reducing infection risk as thorough disinfection of the environment.

85.

Which of the following instruments is primarily classified under suturing or stapling?

  • Needle holder

  • Mayo scissors

  • Frazier suction

  • Allis clamp

Correct answer: Needle holder

Needle holders are specifically designed to grasp and manipulate needles during the suturing process, making them an essential tool for suturing or stapling tissues.

Mayo scissors are primarily used for cutting tissues and sutures, not for suturing or stapling directly. 

Frazier suction is used for removing fluids from the surgical site, not for suturing or stapling. 

Allis clamp is used for grasping and holding tissues, particularly during procedures requiring tissue manipulation, but not for suturing or stapling.

86.

When preparing surgical instruments for decontamination, what is the FIRST step?

  • Rinse instruments under running water

  • Place instruments directly into the sterilizer

  • Soak instruments in a disinfectant solution

  • Dry instruments with a clean, lint-free cloth

Correct answer: Rinse instruments under running water

Rinsing instruments under running water removes gross debris and reduces the risk of blood and other materials drying on the instruments. This prepares them for the next steps of decontamination.

Placing instruments directly into the sterilizer without preliminary cleaning can cause debris to bake onto the instruments. 

Soaking instruments in a disinfectant solution is a step after rinsing but before sterilization. 

Drying instruments with a clean, lint-free cloth can be done after they have been cleaned and decontaminated, not as the first step.

87.

During the setup of an ultrasound machine for intraoperative monitoring, which of the following actions is essential to optimize the quality of the ultrasound image?

  • Ensuring adequate contact between the transducer and the patient's skin

  • Selecting the highest available frequency transducer

  • Increasing the machine's power setting to the maximum level

  • Placing the transducer at the farthest possible distance from the target area

Correct answer: Ensuring adequate contact between the transducer and the patient's skin

Adequate contact between the transducer and skin, facilitated by ultrasound gel, is essential to eliminate air gaps that can interfere with sound wave transmission and image quality.

While a higher frequency transducer provides better image resolution, it may not penetrate deeply into tissues, which is not always optimal depending on the target area. 

Increasing the machine's power setting to the maximum may not improve image quality if other factors, such as transducer contact, are not optimized. 

Placing the transducer closer to the target area, not farther, improves image resolution and quality.

88.

In an urgent scenario, a surgical instrument needs to be used immediately after sterilization. Which step is MOST important before its use?

  • Cooling down to room temperature

  • Lubrication with oil

  • Application of a chemical indicator

  • Immediate packaging

Correct answer: Cooling down to room temperature

Cooling down to room temperature is essential before using immediately sterilized instruments to avoid thermal injury to the patient and to ensure that the instruments are not too hot to handle safely.

Lubrication with oil might be necessary for some instruments but is not the most critical step when instruments need to be used immediately after sterilization. 

Application of a chemical indicator is an important step before sterilization, not after, to indicate whether the sterilization process has been effective. 

Immediate packaging after sterilization is not relevant for instruments that are to be used immediately.

89.

During a pediatric surgery, the surgeon orders an IV infusion of 500 mg of cefazolin. The solution available is labeled as 250 mg/mL. How many milliliters of this solution should be administered?

  • 2 mL

  • 0.5 mL

  • 1 mL

  • 4 mL

Correct answer: 2 mL

To administer 500 mg of cefazolin from a concentration of 250 mg/mL, you need 2 mL: 500 mg / 250 mg/mL = 2 mL.

0.5 mL would provide only 125 mg, which is insufficient for the prescribed dose. 1 mL would provide 250 mg, half the required dose. 4 mL would provide 1000 mg, doubling the necessary amount.

90.

After a surgical procedure, the surgical technologist needs to communicate the equipment issues encountered during the surgery to the biomedical engineering department. Which method of communication is MOST appropriate for this situation?

  • Submitting a report through the hospital’s equipment management system

  • Sending an instant message to the on-call biomedical engineer

  • Discussing the issues during the next departmental meeting

  • Sending a group email to the surgery and biomedical engineering departments

Correct answer: Submitting a report through the hospital’s equipment management system

Submitting a report ensures that the issue is officially documented, tracked, and addressed in an organized manner. This approach follows the established internal processes hospitals use to ensure these situations are correctly addressed.

Sending an instant message may be informal and not provide an official record or guarantee a timely response. 

Discussing the issues during a meeting could delay immediate action and may not reach the relevant individuals in a timely manner. 

Sending a group email might not be as effective in ensuring the issue is formally logged and systematically addressed compared to using the equipment management system.

91.

What is the primary classification of a scalpel?

  • Cutting or dissecting

  • Grasping or holding

  • Clamping or occluding

  • Suturing or stapling

Correct answer: Cutting or dissecting

Scalpels are primarily used for cutting or dissecting tissues during surgery.

Scalpels are not designed to grasp or hold tissues, do not have the capability to clamp or occlude vessels, and are not used for suturing or stapling tissues.

92.

During cataract surgery, the surgeon replaces the structure that is affected. Which part of the eye is PRIMARILY affected by cataracts?

  • Lens

  • Cornea

  • Retina

  • Vitreous humor

Correct answer: Lens

Cataracts primarily affect the lens of the eye, where the clouding occurs that impairs vision.

The cornea is the eye's outermost layer and is not primarily affected by cataracts. The retina is at the back of the eye and is not involved in cataract formation. The vitreous humor is the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina and is not primarily involved in cataract surgery.

93.

During a tonsillectomy, careful attention must be paid to avoid damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve. This nerve is responsible for which of the following?

  • Sensation to the posterior one-third of the tongue and the oropharynx

  • Movement of the facial muscles

  • Sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

  • Swallowing and elevation of the palate

Correct answer: Sensation to the posterior one-third of the tongue and the oropharynx

The glossopharyngeal nerve provides sensation to the posterior one-third of the tongue and the oropharynx. Damage to this nerve can result in loss of sensation and even impair some taste perception in the affected areas. This would significantly affect the patient's ability to taste and and could affect their ability to manage oral secretions. 

Movement of the facial muscles is primarily controlled by the facial nerve, not the glossopharyngeal nerve. 

Sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is mainly provided by the lingual nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve. 

Swallowing and elevation of the palate involve other cranial nerves like the vagus and accessory nerves, not primarily the glossopharyngeal nerve.

94.

In assessing the significance of blood loss during surgery, which of the following would be considered the MOST reliable indicator?

  • The volume of blood collected in the suction canister

  • The patient's reported feeling of light-headedness

  • A measured decrease in blood pressure

  • The color of blood in the surgical site

Correct answer: The volume of blood collected in the suction canister

The volume of blood collected in the suction canister provides a direct and quantifiable measure of blood loss, making it the most reliable indicator among the options given.

The patient's feelings under anesthesia cannot be assessed. 

A measured decrease in blood pressure can be an indicator of significant blood loss, but it is a secondary sign that can be influenced by other factors snd is not as reliable as direct measurement. 

The color of blood in the surgical site is highly subjective, making it an unreliable method for assessing blood volume loss.

95.

For a patient undergoing a colectomy, the surgical team needs to use a stapling device that can create a resection and end-to-end anastomosis in one action. Which stapling device should be utilized?

  • Circular stapler

  • Linear cutter stapler

  • Skin stapler

  • Hemorrhoidal stapler

Correct answer: Circular stapler

Circular staplers are designed for end-to-end anastomoses in procedures like colectomies, making them the ideal choice for this scenario.

Linear cutter staplers are used for transection and anastomosis but are more suited for linear resections rather than creating a circular anastomosis. 

Skin staplers are used for closing skin incisions and are not suitable for internal resections and anastomoses. 

Hemorrhoidal staplers are specifically designed for the resection and anastomosis of hemorrhoidal tissue and are not appropriate for colectomies.

96.

When performing surgical closure of a large wound, understanding the orientation of Langer's lines is crucial because it directly influences which of the following?

  • The degree of scarring

  • The number of sutures needed

  • The risk of infection

  • Blood supply to the wound area

Correct answer: The degree of scarring

Langer's lines indicate the natural orientation of skin tension, and aligning incisions with these lines can minimize scarring.

The number of sutures needed is not directly influenced by Langer's lines; rather, it depends on the size and depth of the wound. 

The risk of infection is influenced more by surgical technique and wound care than by the orientation of Langer's lines. 

Blood supply to the wound area is important but is not directly related to the orientation of Langer's lines; it depends more on the specific anatomical location of the wound.

97.

A medication used in an operative procedure is dosed at 15 micrograms per kilogram. The patient weighs 60 kg. How many milligrams of the medication are required for this patient?

  • 0.9 mg

  • 9 mg

  • 0.09 mg

  • 900 mg

Correct answer: 0.9 mg

The following is caluclated to find the total dose in milligrams for a patient weighing 60 kg at a dosing rate of 15 micrograms/kg: 15 µg/kg * 60 kg = 900 µg, which converts to 0.9 mg (since 1000 µg = 1 mg).

9 mg would be an overdose by a factor of 10. 0.09 mg is ten times less than the required dose. 900 mg is a thousand times the required dose, a dangerous calculation error.

98.

In preparing a set of instruments for sterilization, which of the following is an appropriate use of a biological indicator?

  • Place inside the package or container

  • Place inside each instrument

  • Attach to the outside of the package

  • Biological indicators should not be used when sterilizing surgical instruments

Correct answer: Place inside the package or container

Placing a biological indicator inside the package or container is the appropriate use, as it directly measures the sterilization conditions inside the package, ensuring that the sterilization process was effective.

Placing biological indicators inside each instrument is not practical or necessary, as the goal is to monitor the sterilization conditions within the package. 

Attaching to the outside of the package would not accurately measure the sterilization conditions experienced by the instruments inside. 

Biological indicators are crucial for validating the effectiveness of the sterilization process and should be used when sterilizing surgical instruments.

99.

Before inserting a urinary catheter during a surgical procedure, what is the MOST important preparation step to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

  • Performing hand hygiene and wearing sterile gloves

  • Applying lubricant to the catheter tip

  • Flushing the catheter with saline solution

  • Testing the balloon inflation mechanism

Correct answer: Performing hand hygiene and wearing sterile gloves

Proper hand hygiene and the use of sterile gloves are essential to prevent introducing bacteria into the urinary tract, significantly reducing the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

While applying lubricant is important for patient comfort and ease of insertion, it does not primarily prevent UTIs. Flushing the catheter may ensure patency but is not the most critical step for preventing infection and can increase the risk of introducing bacteria into the catheter lumen. Testing the balloon ensures the catheter's functionality but is not directly related to infection prevention.

100.

When using an ultrasonic cleaner, it is MOST important to do which of the following?

  • Place instruments in the tank without touching each other

  • Fill the tank to the brim for maximum efficiency

  • Use hot water to speed up the cleaning process

  • Add bleach to the solution for enhanced disinfection

Correct answer: Place instruments in the tank without touching each other

Placing instruments in the ultrasonic cleaner without touching each other is crucial to ensure that the ultrasonic waves can reach all surfaces of the instruments for effective cleaning.

Filling the tank to the brim is not recommended, as it can reduce the effectiveness of the ultrasonic cleaning process and may lead to spillage. 

The temperature of the water used in an ultrasonic cleaner should be based on the manufacturer's recommendations; using hot water is not necessarily more effective. 

Adding bleach to the solution in an ultrasonic cleaner is not recommended, as it can cause corrosion to the instruments and potentially damage the ultrasonic cleaner.

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