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!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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Which of the following is a risk factor for surgical site infections?

Advanced age
Low blood sugar
High protein intake
Regular exercise

The correct answer is: Advanced age

Advanced age is considered a significant risk factor for surgical site infections due to several physiological changes that occur as individuals age. Older adults often have compromised immune systems, resulting in a reduced ability to fight infections. Additionally, there may be underlying comorbidities, such as diabetes or vascular diseases, which can further inhibit the healing process and increase the likelihood of infection. The skin's elasticity and integrity may also decline with age, making it more susceptible to surgical wounds becoming infected. In contrast, the other options do not directly correlate with increased risks for surgical site infections. Low blood sugar can lead to other complications but is not typically recognized as a direct risk for infection. High protein intake generally supports wound healing and recovery, offering a protective benefit rather than posing a risk. Regular exercise is known to improve overall health and can boost the immune system, thereby reducing the risk of infections post-surgery.