Intraoperative Procedures Flashcards

During a cesarean section, which layer is typically incised last before entering the uterus?

Answer: Peritoneum

The peritoneum is the final layer entered before the uterine incision is made during a cesarean section.

What is the purpose of irrigating a surgical wound with warm normal saline intraoperatively?

Answer: To remove debris and reduce bacterial load

Wound irrigation with warm saline removes blood clots, tissue debris, and bacteria, reducing infection risk.

A surgeon performing a bowel resection requests a GIA stapler. What does GIA stand for?

Answer: Gastrointestinal Anastomosis

GIA stands for Gastrointestinal Anastomosis; this stapler simultaneously cuts and staples tissue on both sides of the cut line.

Which position places the patient flat with legs elevated at 45 degrees, used for pelvic and lower abdominal surgeries?

Answer: Trendelenburg

Trendelenburg position tilts the patient head-down with legs elevated, shifting abdominal organs cephalad to improve pelvic exposure.

When the surgeon requests a 'running suture,' the ST should anticipate providing:

Answer: A continuous strand on a needle with no free ties

A running (continuous) suture uses a single uninterrupted strand passed repeatedly through tissue, requiring only two knots total.

Which instrument is specifically designed to hold towels or drapes in place at the surgical site?

Answer: Backhaus (towel) clamp

Backhaus (towel) clamps have sharp, curved, interlocking points designed to secure drapes to the patient's skin or to each other.

During orthopedic surgery requiring a tourniquet, the ST should document the:

Answer: Tourniquet inflation pressure, inflation time, and deflation time

Tourniquet time documentation including pressure, inflation, and deflation times is required for patient safety to prevent ischemic injury.