CST flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

NPO clear liquid fasting

Clear liquids are permitted until 2 hours before elective surgery; breast milk 4 hours, infant formula and light meals 6 hours, based on ASA fasting guidance.

Surgical consent elements

Consent requires patient identity, procedure and site, risks and benefits, alternatives, and voluntary capacity; the surgeon obtains it and a witness documents the signature.

Chlorhexidine skin prep

Apply chlorhexidine-alcohol from the incision outward, allow it to dry completely, and avoid pooling under the patient to reduce chemical burn and fire risk.

Surgical hand scrub

A surgical scrub reduces transient and resident flora using antiseptic and friction; hands and forearms are scrubbed, rinsed, and dried before sterile gowning.

Universal protocol components

Preoperative verification, site marking for laterality or multiple structures, and a time-out immediately before the procedure together form the Universal Protocol.

Preoperative antibiotic timing

Prophylactic antibiotics are given within 60 minutes before incision; vancomycin and fluoroquinolones may be started within 120 minutes to allow adequate tissue levels.

Sterile gown boundaries

The sterile gown is sterile from chest to waist and on sleeves; the neckline, back, cuffs, and below-waist areas are nonsterile and must not contact the field.

Preop allergy verification

Verify drug, latex, and food allergies before surgery; document reactions and ensure latex-free supplies when a latex allergy is identified.

Time-out preceding incision

Before incision the team confirms patient identity, procedure, site, consent, positioning, antibiotics, imaging, and equipment; all members verbally participate.

Surgical count sequence

Count sponges, sharps, and instruments before incision, at cavity closure, at skin closure, and at procedure end; report any discrepancy before closure.

Electrosurgical dispersive pad

Place the dispersive pad on clean, dry, well-perfused muscle near the surgical site, avoiding bony prominences, scars, and implanted devices.

Tourniquet inflation limits

Record tourniquet inflation time; common upper-limb limits are 60 minutes and lower-limb limits 90 minutes, with release and reperfusion before longer durations.

Malignant hyperthermia signs

Unexpected hypercarbia, tachycardia, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and metabolic acidosis after triggering agents require dantrolene, cooling, and hyperventilation with 100% oxygen.

Lidocaine maximum dose

Lidocaine plain maximum is about 4.5 mg/kg; with epinephrine it is about 7 mg/kg; calculate by patient weight before infiltration.

Specimen labeling requirements

Label specimens with patient identifiers, specimen source, date and time, and tests ordered; place fresh specimens appropriately and use formalin only when indicated.

Patient arm positioning

Keep arms abducted less than 90 degrees, support them on padded boards, and avoid pressure at the ulnar nerve to prevent brachial plexus and nerve injury.

Aldrete discharge score

The Aldrete score assesses activity, breathing, circulation, consciousness, and oxygenation; a score of 9 or more often indicates readiness for PACU discharge.

Postop fever timeline

Fever in the first 48 hours suggests atelectasis or malignant hyperthermia; days 3 to 5 suggest pneumonia; days 5 to 7 suggest urinary tract infection.

Wound healing phases

Hemostasis occurs immediately; inflammation lasts about 1 to 5 days; proliferation about 5 to 21 days; remodeling continues from 21 days up to a year.

Hemorrhage signs postop

Tachycardia, hypotension, decreasing hematocrit, oliguria, restlessness, and wound drainage suggest hemorrhage; report immediately and prepare for volume replacement.

Urine output minimum

Adequate postoperative urine output is generally at least 0.5 mL/kg/hour in adults; lower output may indicate hypovolemia or renal hypoperfusion.

Surgical site infection signs

Increasing wound pain, redness, warmth, swelling, purulent drainage, fever, and elevated white count suggest surgical site infection and require prompt evaluation.

DVT prevention measures

Early ambulation, sequential compression devices, graduated compression stockings, and prescribed anticoagulants reduce venous thromboembolism risk after surgery.

PACU airway monitoring

Monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, breath sounds, and capnography when available; airway obstruction and hypoventilation are common early postanesthetic complications.

Spaulding classification

Critical items enter sterile tissue and require sterilization; semicritical items contact mucosa and require high-level disinfection; noncritical items contact intact skin and require low-level disinfection.

Steam sterilization parameters

Gravity displacement steam sterilization commonly uses 121 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes or 132 degrees Celsius for 4 minutes, with exposure, temperature, and pressure monitored.

OSHA needlestick protocol

Wash the site with soap and water, report immediately, complete exposure documentation, and follow postexposure testing and prophylaxis recommendations from occupational health.

Surgical fire triangle

Fire requires fuel, oxidizer, and ignition; in the operating room, alcohol-based prep, oxygen-enriched drapes, and electrosurgery are common components.

AST code of ethics

The surgical technologist maintains patient dignity, practices within scope, protects confidentiality, avoids impairment, and reports unsafe conduct to appropriate authorities.

Incident report purpose

An incident report documents an unexpected event for risk management and quality improvement; it is not placed in the medical record and does not assign blame.

Informed consent witness role

The witness confirms the patient signed voluntarily and that the consent form is complete; the witness does not obtain consent or explain surgical risks.

Standard precautions apply

Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious; use gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection based on anticipated exposure.