Create your own flash cards!. Cards Term C.S.T. Definition A surgical technologist who has successfully passed the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting certification examination. Definition Association of Surgical Technologists.

• Ast Certifying Exam Study Guide

The professional organization for surgical technologists. Term When was the first certifying exam for operating room technicians given? Definition 1970 Term What is the NBSTSA? Definition National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical assisting(formerly known as the Liason Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist. They are responsible for all decisions related to certification such as eligibility, renewal, and revocation. Term Who can use the term 'certified'?

Definition Only individuals who have received certification. Term What does certification demonstrate? Definition A standard of knowledge and understanding of the principles of surgical technology. Term How do you acheive certification? How can you maintain certification? Definition Acheive by getting a passing grade on the certification examination given by the NBSTSA Maintain by getting continuing education credits directly from AST through online courses or the Surgical Technologist journal published by the AST.

Term Who are eligible to sit for certification examination? Definition Anyone that has graduated from a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. Also, someone who is currently or previously a CST. Term 5 Careers options for a surgical technologist Definition Hospital based technologist Specialty practice Surgical first assisstant Educator and clinical instructor Medical Industry Rep Term In what 2 ways are the tasks of a surgical technologist described? What are the differences between them?

Definition Sterile and nonsterile. Sterile is when the ST is scrubbed and have donned a surgical gown and gloves, assist in surgery, and only touch instrument, equipment and supplies that are sterile.

A nonsterile ST does not wear surgical attire. Term What personal characteristics and aptitudes contribute to good patient care and job satisfaction for a ST?

Definition Care and empathy Respect for others Emotional maturity Honesty and ethical behavior Manuel dexterity Orginizational skills Ability to concentrate Problem solving skills Sense of humor Term What is empathy? Definition Reponse to the emotional or physical experience of another human being. Term What does respect for others mean? Definition Appreciation and consideration of others. Term What is 'surgical conscience'? Definition Professional and personal honesty about your actions, mistakes, and abilities. Term Why is manuel dexterity important to a ST?

Definition ST works with complex or very small instruments that must be assembled and handled efficiently without confusion. Term Why is ability to concentrate important to the ST? Definition ST must prepare equipment, pass instruments in correct spatial position, and anticipate the next step of procedure. A lapse of focus increases the risks of the patient and other team members.

Term What can happen during a lapse of focus? Definition Needle sticks, accidental cutting or burning and loss of items in the surgical wound. Term What are the common causes of lost concentration by a ST? Definition Stress Hunger Lack of sleep Exhaustion Illness Substance abuse Lack of interest or burnout Term Why is a sense of humor important in the OR? Definition It helps ease tension and promote good practices.

Term How is the scope of practice determined? Definition By several regulating agencies to protect the public and ensure high-quality medical care.

Term Who defines the ST's scope of practice? Definition Professional organizations and the part of state codes that apply to assistive personnel. Term What are independent tasks? Definition Tasks that can be done without supervision.

Term What are dependent tasks? Definition Tasks that require direct supervision. Term What is delegation? Definition Transfer of responsibility for an activity from one person to another. Term What are the most basic human needs according to Maslow? What do they involve?

Definition.Physiological needs: These are the basic requirements for human physical survival. They include such essentials as food, water, shelter, oxygen, and sleep.Safety needs: include need for a sense of security and predictability in the world. The person tries to maintain the conditions that allow him or her to feel safe and avoid danger.Love and belonging needs: These needs include longings for an intimate relationship with another person as well as the need to belong to a group and to feel accepted.Esteem needs: Esteem needs include both self-esteem and the esteem of others.

Self-esteem is the feeling that one is worthwhile, competent, and independent. The esteem of others involves the feeling that other people respect and appreciate them.Self-actualization needs: These are the needs associated with realizing one's full potential Term What is patient centered care? Critical thinking? Definition Therapeutic care, communication, and intervention provided according to the unique needs of the patient. Critical thinking- process of analyzing info about the patient, comparing it with similar previous experience and responding to the unique needs of the patient Term What are the 6 physiological domains discussed in chapter 2? Definition Respiration Nutrition Temperature Control Mobility Rest Elimination Term Why are diabetic patients considered to be a special patient population?

Definition They have a compromised vascular system so the risk of infection is high. They are also subject to prolonged wound healing, hypertension and peripheral edema. Term Why are immunosuppressed patients part of a special patient population? Definition The immune system is compromised or surpressed so these patients face the threat of postoperative infection and delayed healing. Term Why are trauma patients considered to be a special patient population? Definition Pre-existing conditions may not be known; patient may have eaten recently which increases risk of vomiting, aspiration and subsequent pneumonia; no witness to trauma(witnesses may aid in the diagnosis); injuries may go undetected; patient may arrive with extensive blood loss, severe shock and fluid electrolyte imbalance; patient maybe intoxicated with alcolhol or drugs which can alter response to surgery and complicate the process and method of anestesia Term Why are HIV or AIDS patients special patient population? Definition Patient does not have a healthy immune system so the potential for postoperative infection is high.

Patient with AIDS has many co-morbid diseases, which deplete the body's reserves for healing. They may have open sores or lesions and bacterial or viral infection may already be present. During surgery, the infectious microorganisms can gain access to the sterile surfaces of the body and create serious systemic diseases. HIV patients taking antiretroviral drugs effects the metabolism which may impair wound healing. The medications may also affect lipid levels in the blood which leads to increased risk of heart and peripheral vascular disease. Term What does DNR mean? Definition Do not resuscitate Term What is a living will?

Definition A legal document signed by the patient stating the conditions and limitations of medical assisstance in the event of near death or prognosis of death Term What is the difference between a heartbeating cadavar and a non-heartbeating cadavar? Definition The heartbeating cadavar is maintained on cardiopulmonary support to provide tissue profusion so as to keep the organs viable for donation. The nonheartbeating cadavar, perfusion was not possible at or after death and only certain tissues may be procured for donation.

Term What is livor mortis and rigor mortis? Definition Liver mortis- a red and purple discoloration of the face that appears soon after death Rigor mortis- natural stiffening of the body that starts approximately 15 minutes after death and lasts about 24 hours. Term What are the 5 stages of death and dying? Definition Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance Term What is self-determination?

Definition The right of an individual to determine the direction or path of his or her life. Term What is palliative care? Definition Medical and supportive care provided to the dying patient. Term Who verifies that death has occurred in the OR? How is it determined?

What happens to the surgical wound? Definition 1. The surgeon and the anesthesiologist 2. Determined by complete and irreversible cessation of cardiovascular system, irreversible respiratory failure, absence of any response to external stimuli, cessation of cranial nerve reflexes and cessation of all brain acitivity 3. The surgical wound is closed appropriately and dressed. Term What is organ procurement?

Definition Donation of tissue or whole organs from a deceased person for transplantation into another individual Term What is abandonment? Give examples. Definition A health professional's failure to provide care to a patient, especially when there was an implied contract to do so.

Ex.- Leaving the operating room during a surgical case without transfering care to another person and leaving a patient on a stretcher alone in a hallway Term What is an incident report? Definition A written description of any event that caused harm or presented the risk of harm to a patient or staff in the course of normal health care Term What is a tort? Definition A wrong, independent of contract law violations, perpetrated by one person against another person or anothers property.

Any act of negligence or fraud compensable by money damages. May be intentional or negligent in nature. Term What does liable mean? Definition Legally responsible and accountable Term What is negligence? Definition Failure to do something that a reasonable person, guided by the ordinary considerations that regulate human affairs, would do; or it can be the act of doing something that a reasonable and prudent person would not do Term What are the 4 elements of negligence that must be proven?

Definition 1. A duty to the patient existed 2. Breach of duty 3. Breach of duty caused injury to the patient 4. Breach of duty resulted in damage to the patient Term When and how are surgical counts performed in the OR? Definition Counts are performed during any surgery in which an item can be lost in the patient.

It is done at the beginning of surgery, closure of a hollow organ, at the closure of a body cavity, closure of the skin, when there is suspicion of a retained item, and change of personnel in scrub and circulating roles. They are done by the scrub and circulator. Term What is a sentinel event?

Definition An unexpected incident resulting in serious physical injury, pyschological harm, or death; the risk of injury or harm Term What is HIPAA? Definition The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 that protects patients medical records and other health info through its privacy rule. Term What is defamation? What are 2 types of defamation?

Definition Derogatory statement made by one person about another. 2 types: Slander- statement made verbally Libel- statement is written Term What is informed consent?

Definition A process and a legal document that states the patients surgical procedure and the risks, consequences and benefits of that procedure. Also known as the patient operative consent form. Term Who signs the informed consent form? Who can witness the consent? Definition The physician, patient and a witness signs form. Any adult can witness the patients signing.

Hospital policy determines who can act as witness in the perioperative environment. Term What is sexual harassment?

Definition Sexual coercion, sexual innuendos or unwanted sexual comments, gestures or touch. Term What is impairment? Definition Patient is unable to form rational conclusions and can not act in their own best interests. Term What does the latin phrase 'aeger primo' mean?

Definition The patient first. Term 11 ethical dilemmas discussed in ch 4 Definition Right to die Confidentiality Stem cell research Spiritual values Human cloning Honesty Good samaritan law Abortion Refusal of treatment Organ donation Loyalty Term AORN Definition Association of periOperative Registered Nurses.

The professional organization for surgical nurses, originally known as the Association of Operating Room Nurses. Term Cerification Definition Acknowledgement by a private organization that a person has acheived a minimum level of knowledge and skill. Term Circulator Definition Non-sterile team member who assists in gathering additional supplies and equipment needed during the surgical procedure and advocates for the patient. Term CST-CFA Definition Certified surgical technologist -certified first assisstant. A ST with advanced training who has successfully passed the certification exam for first assisstants and is credentialed by the NBSTSA.

Term National Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists Definition A comprehensive written exam required by the Association of Surgical Technologists. Term Scrub Definition Role and name commonly applied to the ST or perioperative nurse who is part of the sterile team. Participates in surgery and handles only sterile supplies, instruments and equipment. Term Mobility Definition The ability of an organism to move. As a protective mechanism, mobility allows an organism to move away from harmful stimuli. Term Assisted suicide Definition Intentional harm to a person at their request, to promote or cause death. Only legal in Oregon, Montana and Washington.

Ast Certifying Exam Study Guide

Term Postmortem procedures Definition 1. Head of bed raised to 30 degrees. Eyelids are closed and held gently until they remain in place.

Jaw is closed and supported with a rolled towel. Pads are placed under patient to absorb urine and feces. A perineal pad can be used to prevent soiling the linens. A folded towel is placed beneath the scrotum to elevate the testicles. All catheters, iv lines, tubes, and other devices are left in place if it is a coronors case. Wounds from ventipuncture site should be dressed with a single layer of gauze and surgical tape.

Foreign objects or debris imbedded in the patient must be protected from dislodgement. If death is not coroner's case, body can be cleaned or washed.

Body not cleaned in coroner's cases. Patient's hair is combed, clean pillow is placed under head and clean linens replace soiled ones. If patient is to be viewed by family, body may be transferred to another location. A closed stretcher should be used. Required documentation completed by licensed nurse assigned to case. Patient records remain with patient until transport to morgue. Belongings are collected. In coronors cases, these may be transferred to the morgue.

Term Malpractice Definition Negligence committed by a professional. Also occurs when a person deliberately acts outside of his or her scope of practice or while impaired. Term Operative report Definition A patient record of the surgery, which is maintained and submitted by the attending circulating nurse.

Term Perjury Definition The crime of intentionally lying or falsifying information during court testimony after a person has been sworn to tell the truth. Term Time out Definition A mandated procedure for ensuring that surgery is performed on the correct site and side. Time out is a pause before the start of surgery, before an incision is made, when all members of the team verify the site and side.