Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What personal protective equipment should the surgical technologist don prior to starting an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy procedure?

1. Fluid proof apron

2. Eye protection

3. Non sterile gloves

4. Lead apron

The correct answer is: Lead apron

In an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) procedure, the surgical technologist should prioritize the use of a lead apron as personal protective equipment. This is because ESWL involves the generation of high-energy shock waves, which can expose the surgical team to scatter radiation if RT (radiation therapy) imaging modalities are used to guide the procedure. The lead apron serves as a barrier to protect critical organs from radiation exposure, ensuring the safety of the personnel who are assisting during the lithotripsy. While other forms of protection—such as eye protection, fluid-proof aprons, and non-sterile gloves—are important in various surgical contexts, they do not specifically address the risks associated with radiation exposure during lithotripsy. Eye protection is relevant for preventing injury from debris or fluids, fluid-proof aprons protect against spills and contamination, and non-sterile gloves are typically worn to maintain hygiene and protect against bodily fluids. However, they do not provide the necessary radiation protection that a lead apron offers in the context of this specific procedure. Therefore, wearing a lead apron is the most critical form of personal protective equipment in this scenario.