TL;DR
Learn proper body mechanics for safe patient transfers and correct positioning techniques. These skills prevent injuries to both caregivers and patients and are core competencies on the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA).
Free Patient Positioning Practice Questions
CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) · Preoperative Care
This module covers Patient Positioning as part of the Preoperative Care section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) |
| Pass Rate | 72% |
| Duration | 240 minutes |
| Module | Patient Positioning |
Why Patient Positioning matters
Patient Positioning is a commonly tested topic on the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) because it covers fundamental knowledge required for competent professional practice.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. The Trendelenburg position is characterized by the patient being supine with the head lower than the feet. This position is MOST commonly used for:
- Posterior cervical spine procedures
- Lower abdominal and pelvic procedures to allow abdominal organs to shift cephalad, improving surgical exposure
- Thyroidectomy to improve access to the anterior neck
- Lower extremity orthopedic procedures
2. A patient is placed in the reverse Trendelenburg position for a laparoscopic upper abdominal procedure. Which physiological effect is MOST concerning to the anesthesiologist?
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Venous pooling in the lower extremities leading to decreased venous return and potential hypotension
- Increased pressure on the diaphragm from abdominal organs
- Compression of the vena cava by the uterus
3. Reverse Trendelenburg position is used for upper abdominal procedures primarily because it:
- Increases venous return to the heart
- Allows abdominal viscera to shift inferiorly by gravity, improving upper abdominal exposure
- Reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities
- Decreases the need for general anesthesia
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Start practicing free →4. For a patient undergoing a posterior spinal fusion, the surgical technologist helps position the patient prone on a Wilson frame. Which of the following is a critical positioning consideration?
- The patient's arms should be tucked at the sides with palms facing the body
- The abdomen must hang free to reduce epidural venous pressure and surgical bleeding, and the chest and pelvis must be adequately supported
- The head should be hyperextended to maintain airway patency
- Padding is optional for the prone position since the patient is on a soft mattress
5. When positioning a patient in the lateral decubitus position, which pressure point requires padding to prevent nerve injury?
- The sacrum
- The dependent (down-side) axilla and peroneal nerve at the fibular head of the dependent leg
- The forehead and chin
- The dorsal surface of both hands
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