Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

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Study for the Certified Surgical Technologist Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence for acing the exam!

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How are the legs of a patient positioned for lateral position during surgery?

Lower leg straight; upper leg flexed
Lower leg flexed; upper leg straight
Both legs straight
Both legs flexed

The correct answer is: Lower leg straight; upper leg flexed

In the lateral position, the correct technique for positioning the legs involves keeping the lower leg straight and flexing the upper leg. This positioning serves multiple purposes, including promoting stability, preventing pressure injuries, and maintaining proper alignment of the spine and pelvis during the procedure. By keeping the lower leg straight, it provides a stable base for the body. Meanwhile, flexing the upper leg helps to balance the body and reduces the risk of rotational forces that could lead to dislocation or injury. This arrangement also aligns the patient's body in a manner that allows for optimal access to the surgical site while minimizing the risk of complications associated with prolonged positioning. Proper positioning is critical during surgery as it helps ensure the safety and comfort of the patient, contributes to the effectiveness of the surgical procedure, and supports the well-being of the surgical team by providing clear access to the operative field.