Practice Test Geeks(CST) Certified Surgical Technician Practice Test
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Operating Room Setup & Management 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 Operating Room Setup & Management flashcards as text

  1. Which position requires the use of a beanbag positioner and axillary roll to protect the patient?

    Answer: Lateral decubitus

    The lateral decubitus (lateral) position requires a beanbag positioner for stability and an axillary roll placed under the dependent chest to protect the brachial plexus.

  2. What is the function of a smoke evacuator in the OR?

    Answer: To capture and filter surgical plume from electrosurgery or laser use

    Smoke evacuators capture and filter surgical plume — the smoke generated by electrosurgery or laser — which contains harmful particles and viable cellular material.

  3. When counting sponges at the beginning of a case, how many sponges are typically found in each standardized pack?

    Answer: 10

    Standardized sponge packs typically contain 10 sponges, and they must be counted before use and reconciled at closure.

  4. What is the primary reason radiopaque markers are woven into surgical sponges?

    Answer: To allow retained sponges to be detected on postoperative radiographs

    Radiopaque markers in surgical sponges allow them to appear on X-ray so retained sponges can be identified if a count discrepancy occurs.

  5. During a laparoscopic procedure, what device is used to maintain pneumoperitoneum?

    Answer: Insufflator

    An insufflator delivers and regulates CO₂ gas into the peritoneal cavity to create and maintain pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic procedures.

  6. What is the correct order of layers when draping a patient for an abdominal procedure?

    Answer: Barrier drape under patient → side drapes → fenestrated top drape

    Draping typically proceeds from the operative site outward: first a barrier drape under the patient, then side drapes to create the sterile field borders, followed by the fenestrated top drape.

  7. The surgical technologist notices a hole in a sterile drape during a procedure. What is the correct action?

    Answer: Inform the surgeon and circulator, then reinforce with a sterile impervious drape

    A compromised drape must be addressed by informing the team and reinforcing the area with a sterile impervious drape to maintain the sterile barrier.