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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What is the main purpose of a trephine in surgical procedures?

Remove bone
Cut soft tissue
Scarify an area
Absorb fluids

The correct answer is: Remove bone

The main purpose of a trephine in surgical procedures is to remove bone. Specifically, a trephine is a cylindrical surgical instrument designed to create a circular opening into bony structures, often used in neurosurgery or orthopedic procedures. The trephine allows surgeons to access underlying tissues or cavities, such as the cranial cavity in neurosurgical interventions or to obtain a bone graft. The design of the trephine features a hollow cylindrical blade that facilitates precise and controlled bone removal, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This capability is essential in surgeries where access to the bone is required for diagnosis, treatment, or grafting purposes. Therefore, recognizing the trephine's role in removing bone is crucial for understanding its usage in surgery.