Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common complication of surgery?

1. Hypertension

2. Hemorrhage

3. Hypotension

4. Dehydration

The correct answer is: Hemorrhage

Hemorrhage is a common and well-recognized complication of surgery. It refers to excessive bleeding that can occur during or after surgical procedures. Surgery often involves the manipulation of tissues and blood vessels, which can lead to blood loss. While certain surgeries inherently carry a greater risk of hemorrhage, it can occur in almost any procedure, particularly if blood vessels are inadvertently damaged or if a clotting disorder is present in the patient. Monitoring for signs of hemorrhage is crucial for surgical teams, as it can lead to significant complications, including hypovolemic shock, which is a life-threatening condition that arises from a loss of blood volume. Addressing hemorrhage may require additional interventions such as blood transfusions or surgical re-exploration if the bleeding is not controlled. In terms of the other options, while they can be complications associated with surgical procedures, they are less direct and do not occur as frequently as hemorrhage. Hypertension and hypotension can result from anesthesia or the stress of surgery, but they are not as common as hemorrhage. Dehydration can be a concern but is usually managed preoperatively through fluid administration and is not as immediate a complication as hemorrhage.