Preoperative Preparation 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 Preoperative Preparation flashcards as text
Which electrosurgical unit (ESU) pad placement site is CONTRAINDICATED?
Answer: Over bony prominences or scar tissue
Placing the dispersive electrode over bony prominences, scar tissue, implants, or hair concentrates current density and increases burn risk.
Which preoperative lab value would prompt the surgical team to notify the surgeon before proceeding with an elective case?
Answer: INR of 3.8
An INR of 3.8 indicates significantly prolonged clotting time, placing the patient at high risk for intraoperative hemorrhage; the surgeon must be informed.
The surgical technologist opens a sterile gown and gloves onto the sterile field. The circulating nurse then notices the sterile indicator tape on the pack did not change color. What should occur?
Answer: Remove the suspect items from the field and replace them with new ones
Failure of the chemical indicator to change means sterility cannot be confirmed; those items must be removed and replaced with verified sterile supplies.
Which intraoperative position requires the surgical technologist to be aware of brachial plexus injury risk?
Answer: Supine with arm abducted >90°
Abducting the arm beyond 90° on an armboard stretches the brachial plexus, potentially causing neuropraxia or permanent nerve injury.
Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is typically administered within which time window before skin incision?
Answer: 60 minutes before
Evidence-based guidelines recommend IV antibiotic prophylaxis within 60 minutes before incision to ensure therapeutic tissue levels at the time of skin opening.
Which action is part of the surgical technologist's role during the preoperative count?
Answer: Counting all instruments, sharps, and sponges concurrently with the circulating nurse
Both the scrub surgical technologist and the circulating nurse perform counts together and simultaneously to ensure accuracy and shared accountability.
A patient scheduled for thyroid surgery reports wearing a pacemaker. Which piece of equipment must be discussed with the surgeon before use?
Answer: Monopolar electrosurgical unit
Monopolar ESU current can interfere with pacemaker function; bipolar ESU or other alternatives should be considered and the surgical team notified.