Certified Surgical Technologist Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment Questions and Answers

Question 1

During a procedure, the surgeon asks for a clamp to grasp the fascia.
Which of the following instruments is designed with sharp, interlocking teeth, making it suitable for securely holding this tough tissue, even though it is considered traumatic?

Accepted Answer

Allis clamp

Answer

Babcock clamp

Answer

Foerster sponge forceps

Answer

DeBakey forceps

Question 2

During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon notes that the abdomen is deflating and the pneumoperitoneum is difficult to maintain. The surgical technologist should anticipate a problem with which piece of equipment?

Accepted Answer

The insufflator

Answer

The light source

Answer

The electrosurgical unit (ESU)

Answer

The video camera

Question 3

Which of the following instruments is primarily classified in the cutting and dissecting category?

Accepted Answer

Metzenbaum scissors

Answer

Weitlaner retractor

Answer

DeBakey forceps

Answer

Poole suction tip

Question 4

On a ring-handled instrument, such as a hemostat or needle driver, what is the name of the interlocking mechanism that holds the jaws in a closed position?

Accepted Answer

Ratchet

Answer

Box lock

Answer

Shank

Answer

Jaw

Question 5

A surgical technologist is preparing powered instruments, such as a drill and saw, for decontamination after an orthopedic procedure. What is the MOST critical first step according to standard guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Disassemble the components and wipe them down, keeping the power unit/cable connections dry.

Answer

Place the entire assembly in an ultrasonic cleaner to loosen bioburden.

Answer

Immerse the handpiece and attachments in an enzymatic soak.

Answer

Send the assembled instruments directly to central sterile processing without pre-cleaning.

Question 6

During a craniotomy, the surgeon requires a self-retaining retractor system that can be fixed to the skull and uses flexible arms to gently retract delicate brain tissue. Which of the following retractors would be appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Leyla-Yasargil retractor

Answer

Balfour retractor

Answer

Bookwalter retractor

Answer

Weitlaner retractor

During a procedure, the surgeon asks for a clamp to grasp the fascia.Which of the following instruments is designed with sharp, interlocking teeth, making it suitable for securely holding this tough tissue, even though it is considered traumatic?

During a procedure, the surgeon asks for a clamp to grasp the fascia.
Which of the following instruments is designed with sharp, interlocking teeth, making it suitable for securely holding this tough tissue, even though it is considered traumatic?