CST Intraoperative Procedures — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of the surgical technologist during the intraoperative phase?
- Supervises patient discharge
- Prepares recovery area
- Assists with billing
- Maintains sterile field and assists surgeon (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Maintains sterile field and assists surgeon
The surgical technologist maintains the sterile field, passes instruments, and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.
Question 2: Why is a surgical count performed during the procedure?
- Track staff time
- Check instrument sharpness
- Prevent retained items (Correct answer)
- Record tray weight
Correct answer: Prevent retained items
Surgical counts help ensure no instruments or sponges are left inside the patient, maintaining safety.
Question 3: Which action helps preserve the sterile field?
- Limit glove changes
- Use non-sterile covers
- Allow only sterile contact with sterile field (Correct answer)
- Double-drape the patient
Correct answer: Allow only sterile contact with sterile field
Only sterile personnel should touch sterile items to prevent contamination during surgery.
Question 4: What should be done if contamination is suspected during surgery?
- Label and continue using
- Ignore unless obvious
- Replace and report contamination (Correct answer)
- Rinse with saline
Correct answer: Replace and report contamination
Contaminated items must be replaced immediately to prevent infection.
Question 5: Which item is commonly used to maintain hemostasis during surgery?
- Retractor
- Hemostat (Correct answer)
- Suction tip
- Dilator
Correct answer: Hemostat
Hemostats are clamping instruments that control bleeding by constricting blood vessels.
Question 6: Why is it important to anticipate the surgeon's needs?
- Reduce cleanup time
- Impress observers
- Prevent anesthesia delay
- Promote efficiency and safety (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Promote efficiency and safety
Anticipation improves surgical flow, reduces delays, and enhances patient safety.
CST Intraoperative Procedures
What is the role of the surgical technologist during the intraoperative phase?