Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a surgical scrub?

1. To remove dirt

2. To eliminate transient microorganisms

3. To protect from blood loss

4. To prevent contamination of instruments

The correct answer is: To eliminate transient microorganisms

The primary purpose of a surgical scrub is to eliminate transient microorganisms. This is a crucial step in the surgical preparation process designed to minimize the risk of infection during surgery. When a surgical scrub is performed, it involves thoroughly cleansing the hands, arms, and often the forearms with antimicrobial soap or an approved antiseptic solution. This process reduces the number of microorganisms that can potentially be transferred to the surgical site, thereby protecting both the patient and the surgical team from possible infections. While removing dirt and preventing contamination of instruments are important aspects of maintaining a sterile environment, they do not encompass the primary goal of the surgical scrub. The focus is specifically on eliminating transient microorganisms, as these are the microbes that are most likely present on the skin and can lead to surgical site infections if not adequately addressed. Protecting from blood loss is a critical concern in surgery, but it is not a direct outcome of performing a surgical scrub. Thus, the correct answer highlights the necessity of meticulously ensuring a sterile environment through the removal of transient microorganisms.