TL;DR

Surgical Positions: Operating positions with specific risks: supine, prone, lateral, lithotomy, Trendelenburg.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-02

Surgical Positions

Definition

Operating positions with specific risks: supine, prone, lateral, lithotomy, Trendelenburg.

Historical Context

Standards for surgical positions have evolved over decades of clinical research and regulatory development. Current evidence-based guidelines reflect lessons learned from adverse events, clinical trials, and quality improvement initiatives. Staying current with guideline updates is part of professional continuing education requirements.

Overview

Operating positions with specific risks: supine, prone, lateral, lithotomy, Trendelenburg. Position setup and complication prevention tested on CST exam.

Related instrumentation: Metzenbaum scissors (Cutting/dissecting) for Delicate tissue dissection, curved blades for undermining.

Practical Example

In the OR: During a procedure involving surgical positions, the surgical technologist may handle:

Army-Navy retractor (Retraction): Shallow wound retraction, handheld, double-ended
Needle holder (Suturing): Holds suture needles, tungsten carbide inserts for grip, box lock mechanism
Bovie (ESU) (Electrosurgery): Cut (continuous waveform) and coag (interrupted waveform) modes for hemostasis

Documentation

Surgical documentation for surgical positions includes: operative consent verification, time-out confirmation (correct patient, correct site, correct procedure), specimen labeling and pathology requisition, instrument and sponge count results, and any implant records with lot numbers and serial numbers. All counts must be documented as correct or incorrect with follow-up actions.

Patient Communication

Clear communication about surgical positions with patients, families, and the healthcare team is essential. Use standardized handoff tools (SBAR) for shift changes and transfers. Verify understanding by asking the patient to repeat key information back to you.

Why It Matters

Position setup and complication prevention tested on CST exam.

Related Terms

Patient Positioning Sterile Technique

Practice This Topic

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the counting procedure for surgical positions?▼

For surgical positions: Add-on items must be counted when added and at subsequent count times. Sponges counted in groups of 5, radiopaque sponges only used on the field. Incorrect count protocol: notify surgeon then recount then wound search then X-ray if unresolved.

What sterilization method is used for equipment related to surgical positions?▼

For surgical positions: ETO (ethylene oxide): Chemical gas sterilization. Parameters: 600mg/L concentration, 130 F, 2-5 hours exposure, 8-12 hours aeration. For heat/moisture-sensitive items.

What sterile technique rules apply to surgical positions?▼

For surgical positions: If the sterility of an item is in doubt, consider it contaminated. Sterile drapes are placed from the operative site outward (near to far). Moisture strikes through: wet drapes are contaminated, use impervious drapes and keep the field dry.