Pre-Surgical Care and Preparation (NCCT)
How many inches should the sterile back table be from the wall? A. 3 inches B. 6 inches C. 8 inches D. 12 inches
12 inches
A nurse is putting 5000u of heparin in 500ml of normal saline on the back table. Which of the following is the concentration the surgical technologist should put on the label? A. 1:100 B. 1:10 C. 1:1000 D. 1:1
1:10
When performing pediatric surgery, the temperature of the room must be adjusted before the patient enters approximately A. 30 minutes prior and between 75.6 and 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit. B. one hour prior and between 75.6 and 78.8 degrees Fahrenheit. C. 30 minutes prior and between 78.8 and 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit. D. one hour prior and between 78.8 and 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
30 minutes prior and between 78.8 and 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which of the following describes a fenestrated drape? A. A split drape that has two tails. B. A drape used to cover the back table. C. A drape with an opening for the operative site. D. An incision drape that is self-adhering.
A drape with an opening for the operative site.
The nurse initiates a surgical time out with the surgeon not present and states the wrong patient identifiers. Which of the following is the best action for the surgical technologist to take? A. Ask the nurse to repeat the time out once the physician is in the room. B. Report this sentinel event through the facility compliance hotline. C. Perform the time out with the correct patient identifiers. D. Allow the nurse to complete the time out.
Ask the nurse to repeat the time out once the physician is in the room.
A conscious alert patient is transported on a stretcher to the O.R. for a minor procedure. Which of the following actions should the surgical team perform to safely transfer the patient to the O.R. table? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. Carefully place a roller or transfer board under the patient and pull from one side to another. B. Ask the patient to slide slowly onto the operating table, taking the top sheet along. C. Align the head of the stretcher with the head of locked operating table, then lock the stretcher. D. Verify that the operating table remains unlocked to allow for the surgeon's bed location preference. E. Free up IV lines and other tubing first, then transfer patient.
Ask the patient to slide slowly onto the operating table, taking the top sheet along., Align the head of the stretcher with the head of locked operating table, then lock the stretcher., Free up IV lines and other tubing first, then transfer patient.
Which of the following is the proper way for the surgical technologist to enter a surgical room with a manually opened door after completing the surgical hand scrub? A. Front first with arms forward and up. B. Left side first with arms oriented towards the right and up. C. Right side first with arm oriented to the left and up. D. Back first with arms up.
Back first with arms up.
In an appendectomy where the patient is morbidly obese, which of the following self-retaining retractors is most appropriate to have on the sterile field? A. O'Sullivan-O'Connor B. Balfour C. Weitlaner D. Gelpi
Balfour
Which of the following retractors should the surgical technologist have available for an emergent open laparotomy? A. Mayfield B. Balfour C. Cloward D. Army-Navy
Balfour
The facility is out of Mastisol. Which of the following should the surgical technologist pull as an alternative? A. Dermabond B. Tisseel C. Benzoin D. Hydrogel
Benzoin
Which of the following equipment should the surgical technologist have available for an ORIF case? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. Bovie B. harmonic scalpel C. pneumatic tourniquet D. light source E. X-rayable operating bed
Bovie, pneumatic tourniquet, X-rayable operating bed
The surgeon is starting an exploratory laparotomy on an elderly female patient with a very large rotund abdomen. Which of the following supplies should the surgical technologist have available in the room? A. Laparoscopic instruments and a Bookwalter retractor. B. Bowel instrumentation and a Bookwalter retractor. C. Laparoscopic instruments and a Balfour retractor. D. Bowel instrumentation and a Balfour retractor.
Bowel instrumentation and a Bookwalter retractor.
The surgical technologist notices there is water in the bottom of a pan after lifting the instrument basket out. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist take? A. Change gloves and notify the circulating nurse and Sterile Processing. B. Break down the entire setup, change gown and gloves, and notify the circulating nurse. C. Notify the surgeon, break down the entire setup, and notify the charge nurse. D. Change gown and gloves, file an incident report, and notify the charge nurse
Change gloves and notify the circulating nurse and Sterile Processing.
Which of the following products is an alcohol based prep? A. Hibiclens B. Betadine C. Chloraprep D. chlorhexidine gluconate
Chloraprep
Place the following actions in the correct order for hand scrubbing. (Click and drag the options in the left column to their correct position in the right column.) Clean under the nails with a pick., Scrub the surfaces of the hand., Scrub the third of the arm above the hand., Scrub the third of the arm above the elbow., Rinse with the fingers pointing up.
Clean under the nails with a pick., Scrub the surfaces of the hand., Scrub the third of the arm above the hand., Scrub the third of the arm above the elbow., Rinse with the fingers pointing up.
The surgical technologist is opening for an inguinal hernia repair and notices one of the caskets containing instruments was partially opened. Which of the following actions should the technologist take? A. Continue to open since the caskets have been sterilized. B. Consider the casket contaminated and ask for a new casket. C. Remove all of the caskets because they have been contaminated by the open casket. D. Take only the instruments needed from the casket and discard the rest.
Consider the casket contaminated and ask for a new casket.
During a preoperative count the number of sponges in a package is incorrect. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist and circulating nurse take? A. Discard the package and open a new one. B. Document the shortage and continue the count. C. Inform the surgeon immediately. D. Open a new package and continue the count.
Discard the package and open a new one.
The surgical technologist is preparing for a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following surgical equipment is needed for this case? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. ESU B. lateral positioning devices C. pneumatic tourniquet D. power drill E. stirrup leg positioners
ESU, lateral positioning devices, power drill
The surgical technologist is preparing for a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following surgical equipment is needed for this case? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. ESU B. lateral positioning devices C. pneumatic tourniquet D. power drill E. stirrup leg positioners
ESU, lateral positioning devices, power drill
The surgeon plans to use the pneumatic tourniquet on a total knee. Which of the following should the surgical technologist have available on the sterile field to exsanguinate the leg? A. Coban B. Webril C. Stockinette D. Esmarch
Esmarch
During the surgical time out, the nurse reads from the consent that a right uretoroscopy will be done. The anesthesiologist confirms and the surgical technologist also confirms and announces the right side is marked. However, the surgeon says a left uretoroscopy will be performed. Which of the following should be done regarding this situation? A. Rely on the surgeon as he will be performing the procedure. B. Rely on the nurse as the nurse is reading directly from the consent. C. Proceed with the nurse annotating in the chart that surgical site is in question. D. Halt the procedure until the surgical site is verified.
Halt the procedure until the surgical site is verified.
When removing the instrument tray from the casket the surgical technologist finds no indicator. Which of the following should the technologist do next? A. Put it back in the casket. B. Put it on the back table. C. Hand off and change gloves. D. Hand off and resterilize the tray.
Hand off and change gloves.
Place the options below in the correct order for performing a surgical hand scrub. (Click and drag the options in the left column to their correct position in the right column.) Inspect hands and arms., Open the brush packet., Clean under each nail., Scrub all planes of the fingers., Rinse thoroughly
Inspect hands and arms., Open the brush packet., Clean under each nail., Scrub all planes of the fingers., Rinse thoroughly.
Which of the following retractors should the surgical technologist prepare for a cleft-palate repair procedure? A. Greenfield B. Jennings C. Lonestar D. Mayfield
Jennings
The patient is in lithotomy position with Allen stirrups. Which of the following procedures is the patient most likely undergoing? A. mastectomy B. colon resection C. laparoscopic cholecystectomy D. LAVH
LAVH- is a laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy
The surgical technologist and the surgeon have just finished draping for a hypospadias repair on an 8-month-old male. The resident doctor arrives to assist, places his gown and gloves on the back table, and returns to the room after his hand scrub. Which of the following is surgical technologist's appropriate action? A. Have the resident gown and glove himself using closed technique. B. Continue assisting the surgeon, having the resident wait until the technologist can gown and glove him. C. Have the resident gown and glove himself using open technique. D. Leave the surgical field to gown and glove the resident.
Leave the surgical field to gown and glove the resident.
Which of the following is the best place to don gloves for minor procedures? A. back table B. ring stand C. prep table D. Mayo stand
Mayo stand
When the circulating nurse is dispensing a drug on the field, which of the following is the first thing the surgical technologist should do? A. Draw the medication. B. Place a kidney basin on the Mayo stand. C. Place a sterile cup near the edge of table. D. Tell the surgeon what the medication is.
Place a sterile cup near the edge of table.
When opening a sterile envelope wrapped package, which of the following is the first step? A. Pull the top flap up and away from you. B. Pull the nearest flap to you toward you. C. Pull the right flap to the right. D. Pull the left flap to the left.
Pull the top flap up and away from you.
Upon inspecting the integrity of a package of heat-sealed peel packed rubber tubing, the surgical technologist notices a small pin hole. Which of the following steps should the surgical technologist take? A. Ask the circulator to verify the pin hole before discarding the item. B. Refrain from using the damaged item and open another that is free of holes. C. Check the expiration date and open the item onto the sterile back table. D. Process the contents utilizing the Steris sterilizer.
Refrain from using the damaged item and open another that is free of holes.
A laparotomy drape has been placed on the patient and un-prepped skin around the operative site is exposed. Which of the following is the next step the surgical technologists should take? A. Apply drapes over the un-prepped skin. B. Reposition the drapes to cover the un-prepped skin. C. Remove the drapes and re-prep. D. Cover the area with a sterile adhesive drape.
Remove the drapes and re-prep.
The surgical technologist notices that her gown is saturated with blood and requests a change of gown. Which of the following is the correct procedure? A. Remove gloves, then remove the gown by turning it inside out. B. Remove the gown by turning it inside out, then remove gloves. C. Place a second gown on the surgical technologist to prevent blood contamination. D. Remove the gown by turning it inside out, without changing gloves.
Remove the gown by turning it inside out, then remove gloves.
The surgical technologist and the circulator are doing an initial count and are short one Raytec sponge. Which of the following should the technologist and circulator do? A. Make a note after the first count and continue with the case. B. Remove the sponges from the room and open a new pack. C. Call the OR supervisor for a count waiver on the sponge pack. D. Tell the surgeon about the count, document it in the chart, and proceed with the case.
Remove the sponges from the room and open a new pack.
The surgeon has requested the scalpel and the surgical time out has not been initiated. Which of the following is the surgical technologist's best response? A. Continue as requested. B. Request the time out. C. Complete the time out. D. Complete an incident report per hospital policy.
Request the time out.
Which of the following should the surgical technologist do to prepare for a suction D&C? (Select the two (2) correct answers.) A. Retrieve stirrups. B. Test the suction machine. C. Have a video tower in the OR. D. Have a fluid manager available. E. Open a long vaginal instrument tray.
Retrieve stirrups., Test the suction machine.
Which of the following situations requires the surgical technologist to re-glove members of the surgical team? A. The implants for a total hip arthroplasty are about to be received on the sterile field. B. The procedure is a colon resection and anastomosis is complete. C. The surgeon's gloved hand comes in contact with the surgical tech's gown. D. The surgeon drapes the patient with hands cuffed in the sterile drape.
The procedure is a colon resection and anastomosis is complete.
Which of the following techniques is recommended for entering the operating room after preforming the surgical hand scrub? A. Pushing the door open with your feet. B. Turning your back and pushing the door open. C. Using your side to enter. D. Waiting for the circulator to open the door.
Turning your back and pushing the door open.
The surgical technologist is preparing for an emergent laparoscopic appendectomy on a patient diagnosed with Hepatitis C. Which of the following measures should the technologist take to minimize risk of exposure? A. Triple glove and use a mask with an eye shield. B. Re-gown and glove after the appendix is removed, prior to closure. C. Use standard precautions when dealing with this patient. D. Perform a post-procedural surgical scrub to prevent potential infection.
Use standard precautions when dealing with this patient.
The surgeon tells the surgical technologist to drape the patient. Place the steps for draping the patient in the correct order. (Click and drag the options in the left column to their correct position in the right column.)
Wait for the circulator to prep., Place sterile towels around the incisional area., Drape the periphery and incisional areas., Secure the tubing and electrocautery.
The surgical technologist is setting up for a posterior lumbar laminectomy. Which of the following special equipment is needed? A. Wilson frame B. shoulder braces C. beanbag D. Mayfield
Wilson frame
Which of the following positioning equipment is needed when preparing to do a posterior spinal fusion of the T3-L2 range? A. Wilson frame B. Mayfield head frame C. bean bag D. fracture table
Wilson frame
Which patient positioning item should be tested prior to the patient arriving in the OR? A. candy cane B. yellow fin C. peg board D. bean bag
bean bag
Which of the following equipment is essential for a VATS procedure? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. Wilson frame B. bean bag C. video tower D. Jackson table E. pillows
bean bag video tower pillows
Gowns are considered sterile only from A. neck level to waist in front and back, and full sleeves. B. shoulder to sterile field level in front and back and full sleeves. C. neck to thighs in front, and sleeves from elbow to cuffs. D. chest to sterile field level in front, and sleeves from elbow to cuffs.
chest to sterile field level in front, and sleeves from elbow to cuffs.
When performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a cholangiogram, the surgical technologist will need to have A. indigo carmine. B. benzoine tincture. C. methelyne blue. D. contrast medium.
contrast medium.
When gowning and gloving, which of the following is always considered unsterile? A. chest B. elbow to hand C. cuffs D. gloves
cuffs
Which of the following information should the surgical technologist place on the drug label when receiving local anesthetics onto the surgical field from the circulator? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. drug name B. expiration date C. manufacture date D. drug strength E. drug quantity
drug name, expiration date, drug strength
When opening sterile supplies onto the back table, which of the following are two things to look for? (Select the two (2) correct answers.) A. expiration date B. when it was sterilized C. holes in the packaging D. who sterilized the package E. biological indicator
expiration date, holes in the packaging
Which of the following items should the surgical technologist expect to pull for a carpal tunnel release? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. extremity drape B. Alm retractor C. Volkmann rake D. tenotomy scissors E. Army-Navy retractor
extremity drape, Alm retractor, tenotomy scissors
An orthopedic surgeon has posted an I&D of a forearm using the pulse lavage system. Which of the following PPE is necessary to assist in this surgery? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. lead apron B. face shield C. shoe covers D. N95 respirator E. gown
face shield, shoe covers, gown
If a patient is in prone position, which of the following areas need to be padded for pressure points? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. neck B. feet C. knees D. chest E. thighs
feet, knees, chest
Which of the following are used to drape an abdominal procedure? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. four towels B. U drape C. three quarter sheet D. towel clips E. stockinette
four towels, three quarter sheet, towel clips
The surgical technologist is preparing for a laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Which of the following equipment is needed for the procedure? A. endoscopic retrieval bag B. harmonic scalpel C. endoscopic GIA D. Alexis retractor
harmonic scalpel
Which of the following irrigation will the surgeon need during an AV graft anastomosis? A. antibiotic saline B. heparin saline C. sterile water D. normal saline
heparin saline
Which of the following instrument loads should have a biological indicator during the sterilization process? A. neuro dissecting instrument tray B. implantable instrumentation tray C. vascular instrument tray D. retractor instrument tray
implantable instrumentation tray
The surgical timeout should be performed immediately before the A. initial surgical count is completed. B. initial skin incision takes place. C. patient is induced under anesthesia. D. patient has been prepped.
initial skin incision takes place.
Which of the following must the surgical technologist check before opening a sterile wrapped package? (Select the two (2) correct answers.) A. integrity of the package B. external chemical indicator C. sterilization date D. internal chemical indicator E. load number
integrity of the package, external chemical indicator
Which of the following can be omitted from counts of a laparoscopic case? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. laparoscopic instruments B. trocars C. Raytec sponges D. suture needles E. Veress needle
laparoscopic instruments, trocars, Veress needle
Which of the following positioning devices should the technologist obtain for a total knee arthroplasty? (Select the two (2) correct answers.) A. leg positioner B. arm boards C. peg board D. abduction pillow E. bean bag
leg positioner, arm boards
Which of the following should be included when labeling medication on the sterile field? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. medication amount given B. medication name C. medication expiration date D. medication strength E. medication manufacturer
medication name, medication expiration date, medication strength
Which of the following portions of the sterile gown remain sterile after donning? (Select the two (2) correct answers.) A. front of the gown from the chest down B. both arms of the gown C. mid chest to waist of the gown D. elbows to cuffs E. shoulders to cuffs
mid chest to waist of the gown, elbows to cuffs
Which of the following items must the surgical technologist visually verify with the circulating nurse before receiving medication? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. amount of medication the surgeon will administer B. name of medication C. strength of medication D. amount of the medication left in the bottle E. expiration date
name of medication, strength of medication, expiration date
Which of the following is most appropriate for securing drapes? A. perforating towel clips B. non-perforating towel clips C. hemostats D. Babcocks
non-perforating towel clips
Place the topics below in the order they are dealt with during a surgical time out. (Click and drag the options in the left column to their correct position in the right column.) allergies procedure site patient identity equipment available
patient identity, procedure, site, allergies, equipment available
Which of the following do the surgical team members need to agree on during the time out? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. patient's ID band is correct B. correct site is marked clearly C. patient's blood type in case blood products are needed D. patient's religion in case blood products are needed E. procedure to be performed
patient's ID band is correct, correct site is marked clearly, procedure to be performed
7. Which of the following are verified in the Time Out process? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. patient's identity B. patient's blood type C. correct site D. procedure to be performed E. patient's date of birth
patient's identity, correct site, procedure to be performed
The patient is scheduled for an ORIF of the distal radius. Which of the following specialized equipment should the surgical technologist have available to achieve exsanguination? A. blood pressure cuff B. pneumatic tourniquet C. sequential compression hose D. stockinette
pneumatic tourniquet
Where should the safety belt be positioned over a patient in the prone position? A. posterior thighs and calves B. anterior thighs and calves C. anterior knees and upper thigh D. posterior knees and upper thigh
posterior thighs and calves
Which of the following are acceptable surfaces to gown and glove from? (Select the two (2) correct answers.) A. draped back table B. OR Table C. ring stand D. prep table E. undraped Mayo
prep table, undraped Mayo
Using gel pads during a surgical procedure helps to prevent A. pressure ulcers. B. excess bleeding. C. gastric decompression. D. the need for a lift sheet under the patient.
pressure ulcers.
The surgical technologist ensures foam padding is effectively applied to all bony prominences before the surgical procedure begins. The purpose of this action is to A. prevent neurovascular damage. B. promote minimal blood loss. C. gain surgical access. D. provide traction.
prevent neurovascular damage.
Sequential compression devices are placed on the patient preoperatively to prevent which of the following during surgery? A. hypertension B. pulmonary embolism C. pressure ulcers D. aneurysm
pulmonary embolism
A patient with C-spine precautions comes to surgery. Which of the following should be used to transfer this patient from a gurney to the operating room table? A. draw sheet B. roller board C. gait belt D. Hoyer lift
roller board
Where should the surgical technologist stand when handing four towels to square off the incision site? A. across the operating table from the surgeon B. at the back table C. at the Mayo stand D. same side of the operating table as the surgeon
same side of the operating table as the surgeon
A 35-year-old, 160 pound female patient undergoing a C-section has a history of DVT. Which of the following equipment should the surgical technologist have in the room? A. TPS B. laparoscopic tower C. nitrogen tubing D. sequential compression device
sequential compression device
The surgical technologist is preparing the room to perform a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following specialized pieces of equipment will the technologist need? (Select the two (2) correct answers.) A. pneumatic tourniquet B. sequential compression device C. thermal ablation unit D. electrosurgical generator E. yellow fins
sequential compression device, electrosurgical generator
In which of the following surgical procedures is the beach chair attachment most commonly used? A. shoulder arthroscopy B. knee arthroscopy C. radical nephrectomy D. parathyroidectomy
shoulder arthroscopy
Which of the following are commonly reported complications of using a pneumatic tourniquet? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. latex reaction to cuff B. skin bruising C. nerve paralysis D. deep vein thrombosis E. break through bleeding
skin bruising, nerve paralysis, deep vein thrombosis
A preference card indicates the surgeon prefers an extra-large gown and size 8.5 gloves and the assistant prefers a small gown and size 6 gloves. The assistant usually scrubs first and uses an alcohol based scrub. Place the surgical attire below in the order it should be stacked from top to bottom. (Click and drag the options in the left column to their correct position in the right column.)
small gown, size 6 gloves, towel for surgeon, extra-large gown, size 8.5 gloves
Place the options below in the order they should be handed to the surgeon when assisting with gowning and gloving. (Click and drag the options in the left column to their correct position in the right column.) sterile towel, gown, gloves, square off towels, surgical drape
sterile towel, gown, gloves, square off towels, surgical drape
Which of the following are signs and symptoms of malignant hyperthermia? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. tachycardia B. bradycardia C. muscle stiffness or rigidity D. low body temperature E. unstable or elevated blood pressure
tachycardia, muscle stiffness or rigidity, unstable or elevated blood pressure
Which of the following is a special consideration before the procedure for a burn patient? A. amount of light in the room B. temperature of room C. laminar air flow rates D. type of operating room bed
temperature of room
Which of the following is the minimum number of times a surgical instrument count should be performed for an open appendectomy case? A. two B. three C. four D. five
three
When preparing the room for a total knee arthroplasty which of the following items is necessary to occlude blood flow during the surgical procedure? A. Coban B. stockinette C. tourniquet D. Esmark
tourniquet
The surgical technologist is told to inspect the minor procedure rooms to ensure all of the basic furniture is present. How many suction systems are required in each room? A. one B. two C. three D. none
two
Which of the following is the proper placement for the safety belt in the supine position? A. two inches distal to the knees B. two inches proximal to the knees C. around the abdomen D. across the knees
two inches proximal to the knees
The patient is scheduled for a laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy. When opening supplies for the case the surgical technologist should open A. three prep trays: one for the vaginal prep, one for catheter placement, and one for the abdomen. B. one prep tray for abdomen, catheter placement, and vaginal prep. C. two prep trays: one for abdomen and one for vaginal prep and catheter placement. D. one prep tray and separate sponges for vaginal prep, abdomen, and catheter placement.
two prep trays: one for abdomen and one for vaginal prep and catheter placement.
The surgical team is in the midst of the Time Out Protocol with the OR charge nurse present to audit their briefing. After stating the procedure, site of procedure, antibiotics administered, patient history, patient name and everyone in the room agreeing to the briefing, the charge nurse declared it a failed briefing. Which of the following elements of a Time Out did the surgical team exclude? A. verification of the floor the patient will return to B. verification of blood type C. verification that the proper implants are in the room D. verification of the surgical consent form
verification that the proper implants are in the room
Which of the following describes the area on the surgical technologist that should be sterile? A. hips to the neckline of the gown, and from the shoulder to the hands B. waist to the axillary line, and from the hands to the elbows C. thigh to the axillary line, and from the hands to the elbows D. waist to the axillary line, and from the shoulder to the hands
waist to the axillary line, and from the hands to the elbows
Which of the following PPE is a surgical technologist working in decontamination required to wear? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) A. water proof apron B. surgical gown C. surgical gloves D. face shield E. shoe covers
water proof apron, face shield, shoe covers
