1.
“Strike through” is used aseptically to describe:
Correct Answer
D. Soaking of moisture from unsterile to sterile layers
Explanation
When moisture soaks through a drape, gown or package, “strike-through” occurs. The item is considered contaminated. (STST 132)
2.
The most common nosocomial infections are:
Correct Answer
C. Urinary infections with catheter use
Explanation
The most common nosocomial infections are urinary infections associated with the used of the urinary catheters. (STST 200)
3.
A urinary tract infection following a cystoscopy is an example of a :
Correct Answer
B. Nosocomial infection
Explanation
Nosocomial infections are acquired by patient’s during hospitalization. (STST 200)
4.
What is the correct procedure to follow when a sterile metal graduate is opened and water droplets are on the inside?
Correct Answer
A. Discard the pitcher, it is contaminated
Explanation
A pitcher containing water droplets on the inside, found while evaluating wet packs, is considered contaminated and should be discarded. (stst 139)
5.
Which of the following terms refers to the level of honesty and integrity that every surgical technologist must uphold in the delivery of quality patient care?
Correct Answer
D. Surgical conscience
Explanation
Surgical conscience is the basis for the practice of strict adherence to aseptic technique and the ability to recognize and correct breaks in technique whether committed in the presence of others or alone. (STST 137, 140, 141)
6.
For aseptic purposes, covering a sterile table for later use is:
Correct Answer
D. Not permissible in any circumstance
Explanation
Covering a sterile table for later use is not permitted. It is nearly impossible to uncover a table of sterile contents without contamination. (STST138)
7.
The purpose of the surgical hand scrub is to:
Correct Answer
A. Reduce the number of microorganisms
Explanation
The specific purpose of the surgical hand scrub is to reduce the number of microorganisms to an irreducible number. (STST 335)
8.
What action would NOT be taken following a needle stick?
Correct Answer
A. Prevent bleeding
Explanation
When a needle stick occurs, the person should squeeze the wound to promote bleeding and the possible removal of some of the invading microbes. (STST 93)
9.
Which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer
A. Once sterile drapes have been positioned, they should not be moved
Explanation
Sterile drapes once positioned should not be moved, once the portion that falls below the table edge is considered contaminated. (STST 139)
10.
A perforating towel clip is used on the sterile field to keep a drape in place but is moved by the surgeon. How should the surgical technologist handle the towel clip?
Correct Answer
B. Handed off the field to the circulator
Explanation
The tips of the towel clip are considered contaminated, since they probably punctured the draping material, and should not be reused. They should be handed off the field to the first scrub surgical technologist to the circulator without touching the tips. (STST 139)
11.
What term is used to refer to performing surgery at a distance with robotic arms?
Correct Answer
B. Telesurgery
Explanation
Performing a surgical procedure in a real time at a distance is referred to as telesurgery.
12.
What is the technical term for robotic arms?
Correct Answer
D. Manipulators
Explanation
The technical or proper term used to refer to the robotic arm(s) is manipulators.
13.
The robotic arm’s clockwise and counterclockwise movements around on axis are referred to as:
Correct Answer
B. Degrees of rotation
Explanation
Degrees of rotation relate to the manipulator’s clockwise and counterclockwise movements around an axis.
14.
A right and left movement of the robotic arm is called:
Correct Answer
C. Yaw
Explanation
Right and left movements of the manipulator or manipulator jaw(s) are called yaw
15.
What term refers to the robot’s ability to differentiate between two objects?
Correct Answer
B. Stereo vision
Explanation
Resolution is the ability to differentiate between two objects. The level of resolution can vary the higher the resolution, the better the vision
16.
What term is used to refer to remotely controlled robots?
Correct Answer
D. Telechir
Explanation
The term telechir refers to remotely controlled robots.
17.
What term is used to refer to the rotating movement of the robotic arm?
Correct Answer
C. Roll
Explanation
A rotating movement of the instrument shaft is referred to as a roll.
18.
Which of the following types of specimens would not be placed in a preservative solution?
Correct Answer
B. Renal calculi
Explanation
Any type of stones, renal or gallbladder, should be sent dry to pathology. Preservative solutions destroy the stones, making it impossible for pathological examination. (B&K 719)
19.
Which of the following is a commonly used preservative solution for tissue specimens?
Correct Answer
B. Formalin
Explanation
10% formalin and saline are the two most common preservative solutions that tissue specimens are placed. (B&K 458)
20.
All of the following statements are true for the handling of specimens EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
B. Bilateral specimens are placed in the same container
Explanation
If the anaerobic culture cannot be immediately taken to the pathology department it should be placed in a refrigerator to preserve the specimen. A clamp is not placed on a tissue specimen since it can crush the tissue and cells making it difficult for the pathologist to make a diiagnosis. Bilateral (right and left) specimens must be kept separate. Specimens are never handed off on a counted surgical sponge. (B&K 458)
21.
All of the following statements are true for the handling of bullets as a specimen EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
B. Bullet is handed off with forceps
Explanation
A clamp or forceps is not used to handle the bullet since it will scratch the surface. Each bullet has unique markings that match with the barrel of the gun and the clamp could alter these markings. (B&K 383)
22.
A tissue specimen indicated for frozen section is sent to the pathology department in a specimen container with:
Correct Answer
A. No preservative
Explanation
Formalin or normal saline will alter the tissue that is indicated for frozen section. Therefore, the tissue must be sent in a container with no preservatives. (B&K 382)
23.
Which of the following is NOT routinely required for all patients preoperatively?
Correct Answer
C. Chest X-ray
Explanation
A preoperative chest X-ray is not routinely required of all surgical patients. Patient who exhibit signs of pulmonary or cardiac complications or disease will be required to have an X-ray. (B & K 365)
24.
Why should nail polish be removed?
Correct Answer
D. Allow use of pulse oximeter
Explanation
The pulse oximeter cannot properly function with nail polish present. /the light beam from the pulse oximeter is focused to travel through the nail and skin of the finger and nail polish changes the color of the light beam causing it to malfunction. (STST 176)
25.
What report is completed when an adverse or unusual event takes place in the O.R. that may have legal consequences for the staff or patient?
Correct Answer
B. Incident report
Explanation
In an event/incident report is completed by the members of the surgical team that are witness to any unusual or adverse event that affected the care provided to the surgical patient. (STST 30)
26.
What organization requires surgery departments to maintain operative records that record the perioperative care given to all surgical patients?
Correct Answer
A. JCAHO
Explanation
JACHO is an independent, nonprofit organization that develops standards and performance criteria for health care organizations, including the standard that detailed perioperative records must be maintained by the hospital/surgery department. STST 20)
27.
When handling drapes to the surgeon, where should the first scrub surgical technologist stand in relation to the surgeon?
Correct Answer
B. Same side of the O.R. table
Explanation
When handling drapes to the surgeon, the scrub person should stand on the same side of the O.R. table as the surgeon to avoid reaching over the non-sterile patient and O.R. table. (STST 348)
28.
What type of drape would be used for an abdominoperineal resection performed with the patient in the lithotomy position?
Correct Answer
C. Combined drape
Explanation
A combined drape sheet is a combination of a laparotomy drape and perineal drape that is best used for an abdominoperineal resection with the patient in the lithotomy position. (B&K 472)
29.
What type of drape would be used for a vaginal or rectal procedure?
Correct Answer
D. Perineal drape
Explanation
A perineal drape is used when draping for either vaginal or rectal surgery. It is large enough to establish a sterile field for patients in the lithotomy position and accommodate the legs that are in stirrups. The drape has a fenestration that can be placed over the vaginal or anal opening. (STST 281)
30.
What type of drape would be used for a kidney procedure?
Correct Answer
A. Transverse drape
Explanation
A transverse drape is used when performing kidney procedures due to the transverse shaped fenestration that provides maximal exposure of the flank. (STST 281)
31.
Which technique is not acceptable when draping?
Correct Answer
C. Unfold drape before bringing up to the O.R. table
Explanation
Drapes are to be carried to the O.R. table in folded condition If allowed to unfold it could drag on the floor contaminating the drape. The drapes are too large to place on the patient in an unfolded manner without contaminating. (STST 348)
32.
Lack of control over urination is called:
Correct Answer
D. Incontinence
Explanation
Lack of control over urination is called incontinence. (stst 771)
33.
A nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate is called:
Correct Answer
B. PBH
Explanation
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate and the preoperative diagnosis for TURP. (B&K)
34.
The surgical placement and fixation of a testicle in the scrotum is a/an:
Correct Answer
C. Orchiopexy
Explanation
Orchiopexy is the surgical placement and fixation of a testicle in the scrotum. (stst 778)
35.
An ileal conduit is performed after completing which of the following procedures?
Correct Answer
B. Total cystectomy
Explanation
When the entire bladder is removed a urinary diversion procedure is required. Ileal conduit is the standard procedure performed after cystectomy.
36.
If an adult patient is illiterate, how is the consent form signed?
Correct Answer
B. Patient marks an X
Explanation
If an adult patient is illiterate, he/she may sign the general consent form by marking with an “X”. A witness will write “patient’s mark” next to the “X”. (STST 29)
37.
The ultimate responsibility of obtaining the general consent belongs to the:
Correct Answer
C. Surgeon
Explanation
The surgeon is ultimately responsible for obtaining a consent from the patient. (STST 28)
38.
The patient has withdrawn the general consent prior to surgery. What action should be taken?
Correct Answer
B. Do not transport patient; inform surgeon
Explanation
If a patient withdraws his/her written consent before surgery, the surgeon is notified, and the patient is not taken to the operating room. (STST 29)
39.
In which of the following situations will the patient NOT be allowed to sign the consent for surgery?
Correct Answer
B. Patient received preoperative medications
Explanation
A patient who has received preoperative medications and has not yet signed the consent for surgery will not be allowed to sign the document. The preoperative medications cause drowsiness and do not allow the paitent to clearly think in order tomake an informed decision. (STST 29)
40.
A patient signs a consent for surgery but does not speak English and does not fully understand what he/she signed. Surgery on the patient could constitute a liability case for:
Correct Answer
A. Assault and battery
Explanation
A patient must fully understand the consent for surgery both written and information on the document and what is verbally explained by the surgeon. If a patient does not understand the document, it constitutes assault and battery when the surgery is performed. (STST 25)
41.
A general consent form:
Correct Answer
A. Authorizes all routine treatments or procedures
Explanation
A general consent form authorizes all routine services, general diagnostic procedures, medical treatment, and other normal and routine health care. (STST 28)
42.
A minor requires emergency surgery, but he parents or closest living relatives cannot be contacted. What procedure should be followed for securing a consent for surgery?
Correct Answer
B. Two consulting physicians agree
Explanation
When the parents, closest living relatives, or legal guardians cannot be contacted, two consulting physicians review the information and must agree on the treatment of the patient. Neither of the two physicans be the oeprating surgeon. (STST 29)
43.
Name this instrument that is used during rectal procedures.
Correct Answer
C. Hill-Ferguson retractor
Explanation
The Hill-Ferguson retractor is inserted through the anus for use during rectal procedures. Due to the groove in the retractor, the surgeon can view the rectal canal and insert instruments. (o.r. instr. 104)
44.
Name the above instrument that is used during an open gallbladder procedure (rounded top/ball tip)
Correct Answer
A. Mayo common duct probe
Explanation
The Mayo common duct probe . The instrument can be inserted into the cystic duct to remove stones. (o.r. instr. 42)
45.
The combining form of the word arteri/o means:
Correct Answer
B. Artery
Explanation
Arterio is a combining form inferring relationship to an artery or arteries.
46.
Anaerobic means:
Correct Answer
A. Without oxygen
Explanation
Anaerobic means without oxygen.
47.
Dys- means:
Correct Answer
A. Difficult
Explanation
Dys- is a prefix meaning difficult.
48.
QID refers to:
Correct Answer
D. 4 times a day
Explanation
QID is an abbreviation meaning 4 times a day.
49.
Chole refers to:
Correct Answer
C. Bile
Explanation
Chole is a combining form denoting bile.
50.
Mastectomy means:
Correct Answer
A. Excision of a breast
Explanation
Mastectomy means removal of the breast.