Perioperative Patient Advocacy 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 Perioperative Patient Advocacy flashcards as text
A patient tells the scrub tech just before induction that she has not signed the consent form for the planned bilateral procedure, only for the unilateral procedure. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Notify the circulator and surgeon immediately to halt the procedure
The scrub tech must immediately notify the circulator and surgeon so the consent issue is resolved before any incision is made.
During the surgical time-out, the circulator reads a different operative site than what is marked on the patient. The surgeon says 'we've done this a hundred times, let's go.' What should the surgical technologist do?
Answer: Speak up and insist the discrepancy be resolved before proceeding
Every team member has the authority and responsibility to stop the procedure until a site discrepancy is resolved, regardless of the surgeon's preference.
A patient's advance directive states 'Do Not Resuscitate.' The anesthesiologist proposes a routine suspension of the DNR during the operative period. Who bears primary responsibility for ensuring this discussion occurs pre-operatively with the patient?
Answer: The surgeon and anesthesiologist in collaboration with the patient
The surgeon and anesthesiologist must collaboratively discuss with the patient whether to suspend, modify, or honor the DNR during the perioperative period.
While setting up the back table, the scrub tech notices the patient's allergy wristband indicates a latex allergy, but the surgeon's preference card does not specify a latex-free setup. What is the correct action?
Answer: Notify the circulator immediately and switch to a latex-free environment
A documented latex allergy requires an immediate latex-safe environment; the scrub tech must notify the circulator before any latex items contact the patient's care environment.
A family member approaches the scrub tech in the hallway and asks for an update on their relative's surgery. What is the appropriate response?
Answer: Direct the family member to the waiting room liaison or charge nurse
The scrub tech should redirect family members to the designated waiting room liaison or circulating nurse who is authorized to provide updates while maintaining HIPAA compliance.
The surgeon requests the scrub tech to document in the operative record that a procedure step was performed, when the scrub tech did not observe it being done. What should the scrub tech do?
Answer: Refuse to document an event not personally witnessed
A surgical technologist must never document events not personally witnessed, as falsifying medical records is illegal and unethical.
During positioning for a prolonged spine case, the scrub tech notices the patient's arm is resting against a metal bed rail without padding. What is the priority action?
Answer: Alert the circulator before draping so padding can be added
The scrub tech should immediately alert the circulator so padding is added before draping, preventing a positioning injury from developing during the prolonged case.