Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What should be completed before the sterile items are opened for the first procedure of the day?

1. Lower temperature in the OR

2. Wipe down furniture and surfaces

3. Test sterilizer in substerile room

4. Test anesthesia machine

The correct answer is: Wipe down furniture and surfaces

Before the sterile items are opened for the first procedure of the day, it is crucial to ensure that the operating room is properly cleaned and free from contaminants. Wiping down furniture and surfaces is an essential step in this process, as it helps eliminate any potential sources of infection and maintains a sterile environment for the surgical procedure. This action not only prepares the physical space but also reassures the surgical team that all protocols for infection control are being adhered to. Ensuring that all surfaces are disinfected prior to the introduction of sterile items sets a foundation for a safe surgical environment. While the other options include tasks that are important for overall operating room readiness, they do not directly pertain to the immediate preparation for the opening of sterile items. Lowering the temperature may be a comfort measure but is not a priority relative to sterility. Testing the sterilizer and the anesthesia machine are vital operational checks but typically occur before the actual procedures begin and do not involve the immediate preparation required for sterile item handling.