A nurse is assisting with a surgical procedure that involves suturing a wound. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the surgeon when handing a suture needle?
"Here is a curved needle with a cutting edge.”
"This is a straight needle with a tapered point.”
"You have a half-circle needle with a reverse cutting edge.”
"This is an eyed needle with a blunt point."
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
This is incorrect because a curved needle with a cutting edge is used for general closure of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and other tissues that are tough or difficult to penetrate A cutting edge needle has a triangular point that can cause more tissue damage and scarring than a tapered point needle.
Choice B reason:
This is incorrect because a straight needle with a tapered point is used for easily accessible tissues, such as mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, or blood vessels A tapered point needle has a round body that gradually tapers to a point, allowing it to pierce through tissues without cutting them.
Choice C reason:
This is correct because a half-circle needle with a reverse cutting edge is used for suturing at sites that have limited space and require precise placement of stitches, such as ophthalmic, plastic, or cardiovascular surgery A reverse cutting edge needle has a triangular point with the cutting edge on the outer convex curvature of the needle, which helps prevent the suture from tearing through the tissue.
Choice D reason:
This is incorrect because an eyed needle with a blunt point is used for suturing tissues that are easy to separate, such as liver, kidney, or spleen A blunt point needle has a round body that ends in a blunt tip, which pushes aside the tissue fibers rather than cutting them An eyed needle has an eye at the end of the needle where the suture thread is inserted, which can cause more drag and tissue trauma than a swaged needle that has the suture attached to the end of the needle.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Preparing the surgical instruments and equipment is one of the tasks that the CST performs, but it is not the only one. According to the Mayo Clinic, surgical technologists also assist during and after surgical procedures by passing tools, holding retractors, cutting suture, applying dressings, and counting materials. Therefore, choice A is incomplete and not the best answer.
Choice B reason:
Providing emotional support and education to the patient is not a task that the CST performs. This is usually done by the registered nurse (RN) or the anesthesia care provider before the surgery. The CST does not interact with the patient directly, but rather focuses on preparing and maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room. Therefore, choice B is incorrect.
Choice C reason:
Monitoring the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation is not a task that the CST performs. This is usually done by the anesthesia care provider or the perioperative nurse during the surgery. The CST does not monitor the patient's condition, but rather assists the surgeon and other members of the surgical team. Therefore, choice C is incorrect.
Choice D reason:
Applying sterile drapes and handing instruments to the surgeon are both tasks that the CST performs. According to WebMD, these are part of the intraoperative duties of the CST, along with keeping the operating room sterile, assisting in retracting tissues, and suctioning and sponging. Therefore, choice D is correct and covers two of the main tasks that the CST performs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This is the correct definition of general anesthesia, which is a state of controlled unconsciousness, pain relief, memory loss and muscle relaxation that is induced by a combination of medications. It is used for surgical procedures where it is safer or more comfortable to be unaware and not feel pain.
Choice B reason:
This is the definition of regional anesthesia, which is a state of reduced sensation, awareness and movement in a large area of your body such as the lower half or an arm. It is used for surgical procedures that involve a specific region of the body and do not require complete unconsciousness.
Choice C reason:
This is the definition of local anesthesia, which is a state of numbness, tingling and loss of feeling in a small area of your skin such as a finger or a tooth. It is used for minor surgical procedures that involve only a small part of the body and do not require deep pain relief or unconsciousness.
Choice D reason:
This is not a correct definition of any type of anesthesia, but rather a description of natural sleep. General anesthesia is different from sleep because it involves a complete loss of awareness and responsiveness to any stimuli, whereas sleep involves periodic changes in brain activity and responsiveness to certain stimuli such as sounds or light. General anesthesia also requires artificial maintenance of vital functions such as breathing and blood pressure, whereas sleep does not.
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