Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What is the required minimum number of individuals needed to transfer an incapacitated patient from the operating room table to the stretcher?

1. 3

2. 5

3. 4

4. 6

The correct answer is: 4

The correct answer is that a minimum of four individuals is required to safely transfer an incapacitated patient from the operating room table to the stretcher. This ensures a safe and controlled transfer, reducing the risk of injury to the patient and the staff involved. Utilizing four personnel helps to distribute the weight of the patient evenly and allows for better control during the transfer. Each individual can take a secure position on different sides of the patient, facilitating a coordinated and synchronized movement. This setup also provides adequate support for the head, torso, and legs, which is crucial for maintaining the patient’s safety and dignity, especially when they are unable to assist in their own transfer due to sedation or anesthesia. Having fewer than four individuals may not provide sufficient support, which could lead to complications such as loss of control during the transfer or potential injury to the patient. Conversely, using five or six individuals, while safe, is generally unnecessary and could complicate the process rather than enhance it. Such an excess may lead to overcrowding around the patient, which is not ideal in the confined space of an operating room. Therefore, the use of four personnel strikes an optimal balance between safety and efficiency.