Perioperative Patient Care 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 Care flashcards as text
Which position is most commonly used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Answer: Supine with reverse Trendelenburg
Supine with reverse Trendelenburg allows gravity to displace abdominal organs away from the operative field during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
What is the primary purpose of the time-out procedure in the OR?
Answer: To verify patient identity, procedure, and surgical site before incision
The time-out is a final active communication check to confirm correct patient, procedure, and site before the initial incision.
A patient undergoing surgery has an allergy to latex. Which of the following is the most critical intervention?
Answer: Ensure the room is fully latex-free and document the allergy prominently
Creating a latex-free environment and prominently flagging the allergy prevents anaphylaxis in latex-sensitive patients.
Which intraoperative complication is characterized by a sudden rise in end-tidal CO2, hyperthermia, and muscle rigidity?
Answer: Malignant hyperthermia
Malignant hyperthermia is a hypermetabolic crisis triggered by certain anesthetic agents, presenting with rising CO2, hyperthermia, and rigidity.
When transferring an unconscious patient from the OR table to a gurney, the surgical technologist should:
Answer: Ensure at least four personnel are available and protect the airway
Safe patient transfer requires adequate personnel to prevent falls and protect the patient's airway and IV lines.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of sequential compression devices (SCDs) used perioperatively?
Answer: Prevent deep vein thrombosis by promoting venous return
SCDs apply intermittent pneumatic compression to the lower extremities to promote venous blood flow and reduce DVT risk.
During a procedure, the scrub technologist notices the surgeon's gown sleeve has contacted an unsterile surface. The correct action is to:
Answer: Immediately inform the surgeon and replace the contaminated gown
Any breach of sterility requires immediate correction; the contaminated gown must be replaced to maintain the sterile field.