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
Which condition is an absolute contraindication for placing a patient in the prone position?
Answer: Unstable cervical spine fracture
An unstable cervical spine fracture is an absolute contraindication to prone positioning because turning risks catastrophic spinal cord injury.
What does the RACE acronym guide surgical team members to do in the event of an OR fire?
Answer: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish/Evacuate
RACE stands for Rescue patients in immediate danger, Activate the alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish if safe or Evacuate.
Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive optic instruments such as laparoscopes?
Answer: Ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization
EO gas sterilizes at low temperatures and is the method of choice for heat- and moisture-sensitive optics and delicate instruments.
When donning sterile gloves using the closed-glove technique, what is the key principle that prevents contamination?
Answer: The hands never extend past the cuffs of the gown during gloving
In the closed-glove technique, the scrubbed hands remain inside the gown sleeves at all times until the gloves are fully seated, preventing unsterile skin contact.
Which communication tool is used during patient handoff to ensure critical information is transferred consistently between care teams?
Answer: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation)
SBAR is a standardized handoff framework that ensures structured, complete communication of the patient's status between surgical and receiving care teams.
A patient develops sudden bronchospasm, urticaria, and hypotension shortly after the skin prep solution is applied. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Anaphylactic reaction to the prep agent or latex
Bronchospasm, urticaria, and hypotension together constitute the classic triad of anaphylaxis, likely triggered by a chemical or latex allergen.
Which document provides the surgical technologist with specific instructions about a patient's wishes regarding resuscitation during surgery?
Answer: Advance directive or DNR order
An advance directive or Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order legally documents the patient's resuscitation preferences and must be reviewed before surgery begins.