Certified Surgical Technologist Wound Closure and Postoperative Management

Question 1

Which of the following suture materials is absorbable?

Accepted Answer

Polyglactin (Vicryl)

Answer

Nylon (Ethilon)

Answer

Polypropylene (Prolene)

Answer

Silk

Question 2

The primary advantage of monofilament sutures over braided (multifilament) sutures is:

Accepted Answer

Less tissue drag and reduced risk of harboring infection

Answer

Greater tensile strength and knot security

Answer

Easier handling and tying

Answer

Longer absorption time

Question 3

What does the 'size' designation of a suture (e.g., 2-0, 4-0) indicate?

Accepted Answer

Diameter of the suture material

Answer

Length of the suture strand

Answer

Tensile strength in newtons

Answer

Estimated absorption time in days

Question 4

Retention (tension) sutures are used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Provide additional support to a wound at high risk for dehiscence

Answer

Close subcutaneous fatty tissue

Answer

Mark the surgical site before incision

Answer

Ligate blood vessels

Question 5

Skin staples used for wound closure are primarily composed of:

Accepted Answer

Stainless steel

Answer

Titanium alloy

Answer

Absorbable polymer

Answer

Chrome-cobalt alloy

Question 6

Which closure technique describes suturing the wound in discrete individual loops, each tied separately?

Accepted Answer

Interrupted suture

Answer

Running (continuous) suture

Answer

Purse-string suture

Answer

Figure-of-eight suture