Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

During a cleft palate procedure, which piece of equipment should the surgical technologist prepare to set up quickly?

1. Drill

2. Microscope

3. Nerve stimulator

4. Saw

The correct answer is: Drill

In a cleft palate procedure, the surgical technologist needs to be prepared for any potential complications or specific surgical techniques that may require immediate intervention. The drill is commonly used in these types of surgeries for various purposes, such as creating access points in the bone or shaping the bone during repair. Being well-prepared with the drill allows the surgical team to respond swiftly to the needs of the procedure, thereby minimizing potential delays. This is crucial in maintaining the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the surgery, as any delays can lead to complications. The other equipment, while important in different surgical contexts, may not be immediately necessary in a cleft palate repair. The microscope is typically used for detailed visualization during surgeries that require intricate dissection or precision, which is not as frequently the case in cleft palate repair. A nerve stimulator is relevant in procedures involving nerves but is not a standard requirement in cleft palate surgeries. Similarly, a saw is more often used in orthopedic or specific craniofacial surgeries rather than in standard cleft palate repair. Therefore, preparing the drill allows the surgical technologist to be proactive and responsive to the immediate needs of the cleft palate procedure.