Surgical Nursing Flashcards
7 cards from real VTNE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Surgical Nursing flashcards as text
Which of the following instruments is classified as a needle holder?
Answer: Mayo-Hegar
The Mayo-Hegar needle holder is a standard needle driver used to grasp and pass suture needles through tissue during wound closure.
The zona contaminata in surgery refers to:
Answer: The area beyond the sterile field that is considered non-sterile
The zona contaminata encompasses all areas outside the established sterile field, which are considered non-sterile and must not contact sterile items.
Which post-operative complication is characterized by seroma of the subcutaneous space and fluctuant swelling at the incision site without heat or pain?
Answer: Seroma formation
A seroma is a collection of fluid (serum) in dead space under the incision; it presents as a soft, fluctuant, non-painful swelling without signs of infection.
Which of the following correctly describes the 'scrubbed' role versus the 'circulating' role in the surgical team?
Answer: The scrubbed technician is sterile and handles instruments; the circulator is non-sterile and handles non-sterile tasks
The scrubbed (sterile) technician is gowned and gloved, handling sterile instruments, while the circulator remains non-sterile to manage the OR environment and open supplies.
Why is polyglycolic acid (PGA) suture preferred over catgut in contaminated wounds?
Answer: PGA is more resistant to degradation by bacterial enzymes in infected environments
PGA (Dexon) resists degradation by bacterial collagenases better than catgut, maintaining tensile strength longer in contaminated or infected tissue.
A patient's SpO2 drops to 88% intraoperatively. After checking the sensor placement, the NEXT action is to:
Answer: Manually ventilate with 100% oxygen and assess airway and breathing
An SpO2 of 88% indicates significant hypoxemia requiring immediate manual ventilation with 100% O2 and assessment of airway patency, ETT position, and lung sounds.
Which statement about radiation safety in the surgical suite (e.g., C-arm fluoroscopy) is CORRECT?
Answer: Lead aprons should be stored flat or on a hanger and never folded to prevent cracking
Lead aprons must be stored flat or hung on dedicated racks; folding creates cracks in the lead lining that reduce radiation protection.