Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What direction should the stretcher be oriented when transporting a patient to the OR department?

1. Feet first, side rails up

2. Feet first, side rails down

3. Head first, side rails up

4. Head first, side rails down

The correct answer is: Head first, side rails up

When transporting a patient to the operating room, the stretcher should be oriented with the patient's head first and the side rails in the up position. This orientation is critical for several reasons. First, positioning the patient head first allows for better visibility and access for the healthcare team during transport, making it easier to monitor the patient's condition and provide any necessary care. It also helps establish a clear pathway into the operating room, avoiding potential obstructions and facilitating a safe transfer onto the operating table. Secondly, keeping the side rails up enhances patient safety. Side rails are designed to prevent the patient from rolling off the stretcher during transport, which is crucial, particularly if the patient is under sedation or if there is any risk of involuntary movement. Overall, head-first positioning combined with raised side rails is essential for ensuring both safety and effective monitoring during the transport process to the operating room.