Practice Test Geeks(CST) Certified Surgical Technician Practice Test
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Wound Closure & Healing 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.

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  1. Which suture gauge is the LARGEST in diameter?

    Answer: 2 (size 2)

    In the USP suture sizing system, higher numbers above zero (e.g., 2, 3) indicate larger diameter sutures, while higher numbers below zero (e.g., 4-0) indicate smaller diameters.

  2. A surgeon requests a 'pop-off' needle. What is the advantage of this type of suture?

    Answer: The needle detaches from the suture with a sharp tug for faster interrupted suturing

    Pop-off (controlled release) needles are designed to detach from the suture strand with a sharp tug, allowing rapid placement of multiple interrupted sutures.

  3. What is the BEST description of tertiary intention wound healing (delayed primary closure)?

    Answer: Wound left open initially, then surgically closed after infection risk decreases

    Tertiary intention (delayed primary closure) involves leaving a contaminated wound open for several days to allow infection to resolve before surgical closure.

  4. Which topical hemostatic agent is derived from oxidized regenerated cellulose and works by providing a physical matrix for clot formation?

    Answer: Surgicel

    Surgicel (oxidized regenerated cellulose) is an absorbable hemostatic fabric that provides a physical scaffold for platelet aggregation and clot formation.

  5. The scrub technologist should prepare suture for the surgeon by:

    Answer: Organizing suture by type and size according to the surgeon's preference card

    The scrub technologist organizes sutures according to the surgeon's preference card to ensure the correct materials are available in the proper order.

  6. Which of the following conditions represents the GREATEST risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI)?

    Answer: Preoperative shaving of the surgical site the night before surgery

    Shaving the night before surgery causes microscopic skin abrasions that allow bacterial colonization, significantly increasing SSI risk compared to hair clipping immediately before surgery.

  7. Monofilament sutures have an advantage over braided sutures because they:

    Answer: Have lower tissue drag and reduced risk of bacterial harboring

    Monofilament sutures have a smooth surface that reduces tissue drag and does not harbor bacteria in interstices, unlike braided multifilament sutures.