TS-C

The surgical technologist is performing a surgical hand scrub. What is the minimum recommended duration for an antimicrobial surgical scrub?

• A30 seconds
• B2-5 minutes
• C10 minutes
• D15 minutes

When opening a sterile wrapped instrument set, the circulator should open the wrapper flaps in which order?

• ANear flap, then sides, then far flap
• BFar flap first, then sides, then near flap toward self
• CAll flaps simultaneously
• DSide flaps first, then near, then far

What is the primary purpose of performing surgical counts of sponges, sharps, and instruments?

• ATo document supplies used for billing purposes
• BTo prevent retained surgical items in the patient
• CTo verify that all equipment is functioning properly
• DTo track inventory for ordering supplies

Which position is MOST appropriate for a patient undergoing gallbladder surgery?

• ASupine with arms tucked at sides
• BSupine with arms extended on armboards
• CLithotomy position
• DProne position

The surgical skin prep solution should be applied using which technique?

• AFrom the periphery toward the incision site
• BFrom the incision site outward to the periphery
• CIn a back-and-forth scrubbing motion
• DOnly on the intended incision line

A patient with a known latex allergy is scheduled for surgery. Which action should the surgical technologist take FIRST?

• AApply petroleum jelly to the patient's skin before prepping
• BEnsure a latex-free cart is available and remove all latex-containing items from the room
• CAdminister prophylactic antibiotics preoperatively
• DPlace a warning sign only on the patient's chart

During the surgical time-out, the surgeon states the procedure is a "left nephrectomy." The consent form indicates "right nephrectomy." What is the surgical technologist's responsibility?

• AProceed with surgery since the surgeon has final authority
• BDocument the discrepancy and continue
• CImmediately speak up and halt the procedure until the discrepancy is resolved
• DAssume the consent form contains the error and proceed with left nephrectomy

Which nerve is MOST at risk when a patient is positioned in the lithotomy position?

• AUlnar nerve
• BCommon peroneal nerve
• CRadial nerve
• DMedian nerve

A chemical indicator inside a sterile peel-pack has not changed color. What is the appropriate action?

• AUse the item since external indicators show it was processed
• BCheck the expiration date; if valid, use the item
• CDo not use the item; set aside for reprocessing or discard
• DOpen the package and visually inspect the contents

When donning a sterile gown and gloves using the closed gloving method, which statement is correct?

• AThe scrubbed person's hands remain inside the gown sleeves until gloves are donned
• BThe scrubbed person touches the outside of the glove with bare hands
• CA circulator pulls the gloves onto the scrubbed person's hands
• DThe scrubbed person dons gloves first, then the gown

Which patient population requires special consideration for intraoperative hypothermia prevention?

• AOnly pediatric patients
• BOnly elderly patients
• CAll surgical patients, but especially pediatric, elderly, and those undergoing long proce…
• DOnly patients undergoing cardiac surgery

When preparing the operating room, the temperature should be maintained at approximately:

• A65-68°F (18-20°C)
• B68-73°F (20-23°C)
• C75-78°F (24-26°C)
• D80-85°F (27-29°C)

The surgical technologist notices that a sterile package has a water stain but the integrity appears intact. What is the appropriate action?

• AUse the package since the seal is intact
• BRe-sterilize the package without opening it
• CConsider the item contaminated and do not use it
• DOpen the package and inspect the contents before deciding

A patient is scheduled for a thyroidectomy. During positioning, the surgical technologist should anticipate using which positioning aids?

• AKraske position with Jackson table
• BTrendelenburg with shoulder roll to extend the neck
• CSupine with shoulder roll and head ring for neck extension
• DLateral decubitus with axillary roll

During a surgical time-out, which elements must be verified according to the Universal Protocol?

• AOnly the patient's name and date of birth
• BPatient identity, procedure, and site only
• CPatient identity, procedure, site, patient position, and any implants or special equipment
• DOnly the surgeon and anesthesiologist names

A patient with a BMI of 45 is scheduled for abdominal surgery. Which positioning complication is the surgical technologist most likely to encounter?

• APressure injuries over bony prominences due to inadequate padding
• BDifficult airway management requiring reverse Trendelenburg
• CCompartment syndrome from prolonged lithotomy positioning
• DBrachial plexus injury from arm abduction

When setting up for a procedure using a sequential compression device (SCD) for DVT prophylaxis, the surgical technologist should ensure:

• AThe sleeves are applied over the patient's clothing for comfort
• BThe sleeves are applied to bare skin and connected to the compressor before anesthesia in…
• CThe sleeves are applied only after the patient is draped
• DThe sleeves are wrapped circumferentially around the entire leg including the knee

Which principle of aseptic technique is violated when a scrubbed team member turns their back to the sterile field?

• AThe principle of maintaining a sterile barrier
• BThe principle that sterile persons face only sterile areas
• CThe principle of keeping hands above the waist
• DThe principle of no talking over the sterile field

What should the surgical technologist do if a sterile item is dropped below waist level?

• APick it up and continue using it
• BConsider it contaminated and replace it
• CWipe it with alcohol and reuse it
• DAsk the circulator to verify if it is still sterile

The Mayo stand should be positioned:

• AOver the patient's chest
• BAt the head of the bed
• COver the patient's legs/thighs
• DBehind the anesthesia provider

When passing a scalpel to the surgeon, the surgical technologist should:

• AHand it to the surgeon handle-first
• BHand it to the surgeon blade-first
• CPlace it on the sterile field for the surgeon to pick up
• DToss it gently to the surgeon

A raytec sponge (4x4) should be removed from the sterile field:

• AOnly at the end of the procedure
• BOnly if it becomes saturated with blood
• COnly by the circulator using forceps
• DOnly when counted and passed off the field by the scrubbed person

The purpose of using a surgical drape is to:

• AKeep the patient warm during surgery
• BCreate and maintain a sterile field around the operative site
• CProvide privacy for the patient
• DAbsorb blood and fluids during surgery

Which instrument is used to grasp tissue firmly without crushing it during dissection?

• AHemostat (Kelly clamp)
• BTissue forceps (Adson forceps with teeth)
• CAllis clamp
• DKocher clamp

When is the FIRST surgical count performed during a procedure?

• ABefore the patient enters the operating room
• BBefore the procedure begins, as items are placed on the sterile field
• CAfter the surgeon makes the first incision
• DOnly when closing the wound

During a procedure, the surgeon requests a "peanut." What is this instrument?

• AA small, teardrop-shaped gauze dissector used for blunt dissection
• BA type of vascular clamp
• CA small suction tip
• DA pediatric-sized scalpel

The surgical technologist should anticipate that a procedure involving entry into the gastrointestinal tract will be classified as which wound class?

• AClass I (Clean)
• BClass II (Clean-Contaminated)
• CClass III (Contaminated)
• DClass IV (Dirty/Infected)

Which action demonstrates appropriate surgical conscience?

• AContinuing with the procedure when uncertain about sterile technique
• BSpeaking up immediately when a potential break in sterility is suspected
• CWaiting until the end of the procedure to mention a possible contamination
• DRelying on others to notice breaks in sterile technique

When preparing suture material for the surgeon, the surgical technologist should:

• ACut all sutures to the same length for consistency
• BLeave suture packets on the field for the surgeon to open
• CLoad the needle holder with the needle positioned appropriately for the surgeon's handedn…
• DOnly provide sutures when specifically requested

A specimen is being sent to pathology. The surgical technologist should:

• APlace it in any available container with the patient's name
• BPlace it in an appropriate container with preservative if needed, label it with patient i…
• CGive it directly to the family for transport
• DPlace it in the refrigerator until someone asks for it

During a laparoscopic procedure, the insufflation tubing disconnects from the trocar. What should the surgical technologist do FIRST?

• AContinue observing the monitor
• BImmediately reconnect the tubing using aseptic technique
• CNotify the surgeon and wait for instructions
• DTurn off the insufflator

Which medication is commonly used on the surgical field to produce local vasoconstriction and reduce bleeding?

• ALidocaine
• BEpinephrine
• CHeparin
• DFentanyl

When a needlestick injury occurs during surgery, what is the priority action?

• AContinue with the procedure and report it later
• BImmediately notify the circulator, remove gloves, wash the area, and initiate the exposur…
• CApply a bandage and continue scrubbed in
• DWait until the procedure is finished to address it

Which type of suture material would be MOST appropriate for closing the skin?

• AChromic gut
• BSilk
• CNylon or polypropylene (non-absorbable monofilament)
• DVicryl (absorbable braided)

The surgical technologist is asked to provide a "stick tie." This refers to:

• AA suture attached to a needle holder
• BA suture ligature on a clamp (usually a hemostat) used to tie off vessels
• CA double-armed suture
• DA suture with a reinforced needle

What is the purpose of using a "pocket" or "reservoir" sponge during laparotomy?

• ATo hold retractors in place
• BTo create a space for irrigation fluid
• CTo pack off bowel or viscera from the operative field
• DTo store needles temporarily

When passing instruments during a procedure, the surgical technologist should:

• APlace them on the sterile field for the surgeon to pick up
• BPass them firmly into the surgeon's hand with a verbal identifier
• CToss them gently to save time
• DHand them to the surgical assistant only

During an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon requests a "Judd-Allis." What is this instrument used for?

• AGrasping the gallbladder fundus for retraction
• BClamping the cystic duct
• CDissecting the gallbladder from the liver bed
• DAchieving hemostasis on the liver surface

A surgical procedure is converted from laparoscopic to open due to uncontrolled bleeding. The surgical technologist should:

• AContinue providing laparoscopic instruments
• BAnticipate the need for open procedure instruments and sutures, and prepare for potential…
• CLeave the room since the procedure is changing
• DContinue counting laparoscopic instruments only

The surgeon asks for a "figure-of-eight" suture. This technique is MOST commonly used for:

• AClosing the skin
• BAchieving hemostasis on a bleeding vessel or tissue
• CAnastomosing two bowel segments
• DClosing a midline laparotomy incision

Which factor is MOST important when selecting a trocar size for laparoscopic surgery?

• AThe surgeon's preference only
• BThe size of instruments that will be used through the trocar
• CThe patient's height and weight only
• DThe operating room inventory

During a hysterectomy, the surgeon requests a "Heaney clamp." This instrument is used to:

• AGrasp the fallopian tubes
• BClamp the uterine vessels and cardinal ligaments
• CRetract the bladder
• DSuture the vaginal cuff

When should the final surgical count be performed?

• AOnly at the beginning of the procedure
• BAt peritoneal/fascia closure and again at skin closure
• COnly if there is a discrepancy noted earlier
• DOnly when closing the skin

What should be done with unused sterile supplies at the end of a procedure?

• AThrow them away to prevent confusion
• BReturn them to the original packages for re-sterilization
• CDiscard opened items; unopened items may be returned to stock per facility policy
• DGive them to the patient to take home

After a procedure, used instruments should be:

• AWiped clean and placed back in the case cart
• BTaken to the decontamination area for cleaning and sterilization processing
• CLeft on the back table for housekeeping to handle
• DRinsed and reused immediately for the next case

When applying a postoperative dressing, the surgical technologist should:

• AUse the same gloves worn during surgery
• BChange to clean gloves and use aseptic technique when covering the incision
• CHave the circulator apply the dressing while the scrubbed person removes gown and gloves
• DLeave the incision open to air without a dressing