CST Preoperative Preparation — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the main goal of preoperative patient assessment?
- To reduce surgeon workload
- To prepare anesthesia records
- To confirm insurance details
- To ensure patient readiness and safety (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To ensure patient readiness and safety
The goal is to identify potential risks and ensure patient safety by reviewing medical history and current status.
Question 2: Why must jewelry be removed before surgery?
- To maintain sterile attire
- To reduce swelling
- To prevent infection and equipment issues (Correct answer)
- To prevent staff distraction
Correct answer: To prevent infection and equipment issues
Jewelry can harbor bacteria and may interfere with surgical equipment or cause burns during electrosurgery.
Question 3: Which item must be verified in the preoperative area?
- Vital signs chart
- Surgeon's preference card
- Patient identity, procedure, and site (Correct answer)
- Number of staff in OR
Correct answer: Patient identity, procedure, and site
Correct patient, procedure, and site must be confirmed as part of the Universal Protocol to prevent errors.
Question 4: What is the function of surgical site marking?
- To guide anesthesia
- To track instruments
- To identify surgical site (Correct answer)
- To label surgical gowns
Correct answer: To identify surgical site
Site marking ensures that the correct site is operated on and prevents wrong-site surgery.
Question 5: Why is the preoperative checklist used?
- To document OR temperature
- To verify scrub nurse
- To improve patient flow
- To confirm safety requirements (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To confirm safety requirements
It ensures all safety protocols are followed before surgery, such as fasting status, consent, and allergies.
Question 6: Which staff member typically assists with patient positioning?
- Receptionist
- Circulating nurse (Correct answer)
- Recovery nurse
- Billing coordinator
Correct answer: Circulating nurse
The surgical technologist works with the surgical team to ensure proper positioning that promotes safety and access.
CST Preoperative Preparation
What is the main goal of preoperative patient assessment?