Postoperative Duties 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 Postoperative Duties flashcards as text
After the final sponge count is confirmed correct, what is the surgical technologist's next priority before closing?
Answer: Document the count and inform the surgeon
The ST must document the correct count and verbally inform the surgeon so the incision can be safely closed.
Which action is correct when handling a contaminated surgical specimen postoperatively?
Answer: Place it in a labeled specimen container per facility protocol
Specimens must be placed in properly labeled containers per institutional and pathology protocols to ensure accurate identification.
During wound closure, the scrub ST should pass suture using which technique?
Answer: Load the needle holder and pass handle-first to the surgeon
Suture should be loaded on a needle holder and passed handle-first (or in a neutral zone) to minimize needlestick injury risk.
What is the purpose of applying a sterile dressing at the end of a procedure?
Answer: Protect the wound from contamination and absorb drainage
A sterile dressing protects the surgical wound from environmental contamination and absorbs any drainage from the incision.
When removing surgical drapes postoperatively, the ST should roll them:
Answer: Inward (contaminated side in) to contain debris and fluids
Drapes are rolled inward to contain blood, fluids, and debris and prevent spreading contamination to the OR environment.
After the patient is transferred to the gurney postoperatively, who is responsible for monitoring the patient's airway until handoff to the PACU nurse?
Answer: The anesthesia provider
The anesthesia provider maintains responsibility for the patient's airway and hemodynamic stability during transport to the PACU.
Instruments with heavy bioburden (bone, tissue, cement) should be pre-treated before transport to the decontamination area by:
Answer: Removing gross debris and keeping them moist with a damp towel or enzymatic spray
Removing gross debris and keeping instruments moist prevents bioburden from drying and hardening, which makes cleaning and sterilization more effective.