Question 1

Which signs or symptoms might be seen in a patient who has entered an alkalotic state?
A)Convulsions
B)Nausea
C)Headache
D)Disorientation

Accepted Answer

Convulsions are a symptom that may occur when a patient enters an alkalotic state. During this state, the pH of the blood has reached levels that are higher than normal. Other signs or symptoms associated with alkalosis include confusion, muscle twitching, tremors, and central nervous system excitement.

Question 2

What is the preferred positioning of a patient who is undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy?
A)Lithotomy
B)Lateral recumbent
C)Kraske
D)Both A and C

Accepted Answer

The preferred positions for a patient who is undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy are the lithotomy or the Kraske positions. These positions give the surgeon access to the anus for hemorrhoid removal. They also allow for a sigmoidoscopy prior to the surgery if warranted.

Question 3

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using morphine as an anesthetic during the surgical process?
A)It does not produce amnesia.
B)It may cause nausea and vomiting.
C)It may lead to hallucinations.
D)It should not be used in children.

Accepted Answer

A disadvantage of using morphine as an anesthetic during the surgical process is that it does not produce amnesia. The patient needs to receive agents that will not only cause sleep during the procedure but also cause them to forget what occurred. Morphine works as a narcotic but may need to be combined with other agents for full anesthesia.

Question 4

Which of the following conditions may be treated through a splenectomy?
A)Multiple myeloma
B)Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
C)Von Willebrand's disease
D)Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia may be treated through a splenectomy. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia causes the person to develop antibodies against their own red blood cells. This condition may be treated through a splenectomy if the patient does not respond to steroid medications.

Question 5

Which of the following is a duty of the perioperative tech when handling patient specimens?
A)Labeling the specimen with patient name and the source of the specimen.
B)Removing the specimen from the patient to give to the surgical technician.
C)Transporting the specimen to the laboratory for analysis.
D)Handling patient specimens is beyond the tech's scope of practice.

Accepted Answer

One of the duties of the perioperative tech when handling patient specimens is to label the specimen with the patient's name and the source of the specimen. Labeling is extremely important so as not to confuse the specimen with that of someone else. Additionally, the source should be added to the label to identify the contents. It is the responsibility of the perioperative tech to ensure that specimens have proper identification and are kept safe.

Question 6

At what point during the surgical procedure should the sponge count be performed?
A)When opening the surgical pack at the beginning of the procedure
B)After the skin preparation is complete
C)Before the physician closes the wound
D)Both A and C

Accepted Answer

During a surgical procedure, a sponge count should be performed when opening the surgical pack at the beginning of the procedure and before the physician closes the wound. Additional sponge counts may be necessary according to the policy of the institution. These measures help to ensure that a sponge is not accidentally left inside the patient.

Question 7

The light source on the end of an endoscope radiates heat in such a way as to reduce tissue damage at the tip of the scope. This type of light source is called:
A)Cold light
B)Distal lens
C)Light connection
D)Cold end

Accepted Answer

The light source on the end of the endoscope is called cold light. This describes the fact that light used for visualizing structures does not transmit heat to the end of the scope. This reduces damage to internal structures by preventing the tip of the scope from becoming very hot.

Question 8

Which statement is a requirement when managing exposure to blood borne pathogens?
A)Techs should receive training in handling occupational exposure if there is a risk of coming in contact with blood borne pathogens.
B)Food and drink should be kept on a separate table in the operating suite, away from the patient.
C)A contaminated needle should be carefully recapped before placing it in a biohazard container.
D)Employers are required to provide measures for hand hygiene practices.

Accepted Answer

Employers are required to provide measures for hand hygiene practices. If employees are expected to wash their hands to protect themselves from blood borne pathogens, employers are mandated to provide materials for them, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Food and drink should be separate from operative procedures and not in the same room, and contaminated needles should never be recapped to reduce risk of injury. All healthcare personnel should receive training on exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Question 9

A patient is on the operating table before the procedure. What should the tech keep in mind when draping the patient?
A)Open the package, unfold the drape and carry it over to place on the patient.
B)Carry sterile drapes above the head to avoid contact with the floor.
C)Discard a drape that has become contaminated and replace it with a sterile one.
D)Once drapes are on the patient, shift them slightly to ensure they are in the right place.

Accepted Answer

When draping a patient, discard a drape that has become contaminated and replace it with a sterile one. This ensures that all drapes are sterile. Drapes should be opened near the patient and carried at waist level. Once on the patient, drapes should not be moved unless they become contaminated.

Question 10

Which of the following measures does the tech perform for a patient who is undergoing an appendectomy?
A)Administer antibiotics to reduce infection.
B)Administer an enema before surgery.
C)Insert a nasogastric tube.
D)Both A and C

Accepted Answer

Two interventions that the tech may perform for a patient who is undergoing an appendectomy are administering antibiotics to reduce infection and inserting a nasogastric tube. A patient who has an appendix that bursts is at risk of peritonitis and antibiotics may be ordered prophylactically. A patient may also need a nasogastric tube to prevent a paralytic ileus.

Question 11

The surgeon is making a midline abdominal incision and starts by cutting through the skin and subcutaneous fat. What is the next layer below the subcutaneous fat that he will cut through?
A)Muscle
B)Fascia
C)Dermis
D)Bone

Accepted Answer

The fascia is the layer underneath the subcutaneous fat found on the abdomen. Cutting through the fascia is part of the process when making a midline incision. This fascia is a layer of connective tissue that may be fibrous and works to protect the muscles and nerves in the abdomen.

Question 12

Which of the following solutions are used to control both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as part of the surgical skin prep?
A)Ethylene alcohol
B)Chlorhexidine gluconate
C)Hydrogen peroxide
D)Both A and B

Accepted Answer

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a type of solution used to control both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria during the surgical skin prep. This type of solution is gentle on the skin and acts quickly. It not only reduces the amount of bacteria on the skin at the time of the prep, but it also slows the regrowth of more bacteria in the area.

Question 13

What important points must the tech remember when performing a surgical skin prep on a patient before the procedure?
A)Avoid allowing the prep solution to collect underneath the patient in large amounts.
B)Perform the scrub for one full minute.
C)Prepare the area by applying the skin prep to extend six inches from where the incision will be.
D)Both A and B.

Accepted Answer

When performing a surgical skin prep on a patient, it is important for the tech to avoid allowing the prep solution to collect underneath the patient in large amounts. Pooling solution may irritate the patient's skin. It may also create more of a mess through the procedure that will take longer to clean up when the prep is complete.

Question 14

Which of the following surgical areas is considered dirty and should be cleaned last when preparing a patient for surgery?
A)Eyes
B)Genitalia
C)Popliteal region
D)Feet

Accepted Answer

The genitalia are considered to be a dirty area, meaning they should be cleaned last as part of surgical preparation. When cleaning the genitalia during a skin prep, the tech should clean outward from the midline, extending onto the thighs. They should then clean the genitalia last, using a separate sponge.

Question 15

What types of nursing interventions should the tech perform for the patient who develops hypovolemia during the surgical procedure?
A)Add NaCl to the patient's intravenous solution.
B)Obtain an order and administer a dose of furosemide.
C)Insert a central venous pressure line to avoid overloading the circulatory system while replacing fluids.
D)Both A and C

Accepted Answer

When a patient develops hypovolemia, the tech should consider inserting a central venous pressure line to avoid overloading the circulatory system while replacing fluids. Hypovolemia requires increased fluid and electrolytes, which if given too quickly, can put pressure on the circulatory system. The patient should not have more NaCl; additionally, furosemide works as a diuretic, and will continue to deplete volume.

Question 16

Which of the following is considered a disadvantage of using skin staples to close a surgical wound?
A)The skin stapler is difficult to load and to use.
B)Staples leave large scars at the incision site.
C)Staples must be removed after approximately one week.
D)Using the skin stapler requires advanced certification.

Accepted Answer

Skin staples must be removed approximately one week after the surgical procedure. This process requires a staple remover but typically produces only mild discomfort for the patient. A skin stapler is fast and easy to use and leaves only small scars at the location of the staples over the incision line.

Question 17

When a tech is preparing a patient for neurosurgery, when is the best time to remove hair on the head?
A)After admission, following the preoperative teaching period
B)In the holding area, once all other preoperative therapeutic measures are complete
C)On the operating table, once the patient has been anesthetized
D)On the operating table, just before the surgeon needs to cut

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate time to remove hair from a patient's head before neurosurgery is on the operating table, once the patient has been anesthetized. Clipping off hair from the head may be upsetting to a patient who may already be anxious about having neurosurgery. Although cutting off the hair must be done, it may be less traumatic if it is performed after anesthesia. The tech should prepare the patient ahead of time by explaining the need for shaving the head.

Question 18

What additional pieces may be added to a basic plastics instrument set for a woman undergoing reduction mammoplasty?
A)Specimen scale
B)Areola marker
C)Doppler probe
D)Both A and B

Accepted Answer

A specimen scale and an areola marker are additional devices needed along with a basic plastics tray for performing a reduction mammoplasty. The specimen scale is necessary when taking breast tissue off the body; weighing the tissue from each breast will help to maintain symmetry. An areola marker is included to mark the area before cutting. In most cases, the nipple is not completely removed during the procedure.

Quiz 5: Intraoperative

Which signs or symptoms might be seen in a patient who has entered an alkalotic state?

What is the preferred positioning of a patient who is undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy?

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using morphine as an anesthetic during the surgical process?

Which of the following conditions may be treated through a splenectomy?

Which of the following is a duty of the perioperative tech when handling patient specimens?

At what point during the surgical procedure should the sponge count be performed?

The light source on the end of an endoscope radiates heat in such a way as to reduce tissue damage at the tip of the scope. This type of light source is called:

Which statement is a requirement when managing exposure to blood borne pathogens?

A patient is on the operating table before the procedure. What should the tech keep in mind when draping the patient?

Which of the following measures does the tech perform for a patient who is undergoing an appendectomy?

The surgeon is making a midline abdominal incision and starts by cutting through the skin and subcutaneous fat. What is the next layer below the subcutaneous fat that he will cut through?

Which of the following solutions are used to control both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as part of the surgical skin prep?

What important points must the tech remember when performing a surgical skin prep on a patient before the procedure?

Which of the following surgical areas is considered dirty and should be cleaned last when preparing a patient for surgery?

What types of nursing interventions should the tech perform for the patient who develops hypovolemia during the surgical procedure?

Which of the following is considered a disadvantage of using skin staples to close a surgical wound?

When a tech is preparing a patient for neurosurgery, when is the best time to remove hair on the head?

What additional pieces may be added to a basic plastics instrument set for a woman undergoing reduction mammoplasty?