Practice Test Geeks(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test
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Patient Care & Safety Flashcards

7 cards from real CST practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Patient Care & Safety flashcards as text

  1. Which patient position places the greatest stress on the brachial plexus and should be carefully monitored during setup?

    Answer: Lateral decubitus with arm extended beyond 90 degrees

    In lateral decubitus, arm abduction beyond 90 degrees stretches the brachial plexus, risking neuropraxia or permanent nerve injury.

  2. What is the primary goal of maintaining normothermia in surgical patients?

    Answer: Preventing surgical site infection and coagulopathy

    Normothermia reduces the risk of SSI, coagulopathy, and cardiac events; hypothermia impairs immune function and platelet activity.

  3. When passing a scalpel on the sterile field, the surgical technologist should use which method to protect both parties from sharps injury?

    Answer: Hands-free technique using a neutral zone (basin or magnetic mat)

    The hands-free (neutral zone) technique eliminates simultaneous handling of sharps, which is the leading cause of OR sharps injuries.

  4. Which gas is most commonly used in laparoscopic procedures and poses a risk of gas embolism if introduced intravascularly?

    Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO2)

    CO2 is used for pneumoperitoneum due to its rapid absorption, but intravascular injection causes CO2 embolism, a life-threatening emergency.

  5. A sponge count discrepancy occurs at wound closure. What is the correct immediate action?

    Answer: Inform the surgeon, recount, and search the field before closing

    A count discrepancy requires immediate notification of the surgeon, a thorough recount, and systematic search of the field, drapes, and floor before closure.

  6. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for the surgical technologist when irrigating a wound with pressure?

    Answer: Sterile gown, gloves, mask, and eye protection

    High-pressure irrigation generates aerosols and splatter, requiring full PPE including eye protection in addition to sterile gown and gloves.

  7. The PASS acronym is used for which emergency safety procedure in the OR?

    Answer: Operating a fire extinguisher (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)

    PASS describes fire extinguisher operation: Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.