Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

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Which of the following preoperative diagnostic tests would be administered to a patient with a brain injury?

EEG
EMG
SAO2
TEE

The correct answer is: EEG

The correct answer is EEG, or electroencephalogram, which is a crucial preoperative diagnostic test for patients with brain injuries. An EEG measures electrical activity in the brain and can help identify abnormalities in brain function. In cases of brain injury, it's important to assess neurological status and detect issues such as seizures, which may not be evident through a physical exam alone. The EEG provides real-time data on brain wave patterns that can inform decisions about surgical interventions, management of potential complications, and the patient's overall prognosis. While other diagnostic tests mentioned may serve important roles in medical evaluations, they do not specifically assess brain activity in the context of brain injuries. An EMG (electromyography) evaluates the electrical activity of muscles and nerve cells that control them, which is not relevant to direct assessment of brain function. SAO2 (arterial oxygen saturation) measures the oxygen levels in the blood, which is important in overall patient assessment but does not provide information on brain condition specifically. TEE (transesophageal echocardiography) is primarily used for cardiac assessment and would not be indicated for evaluating a brain injury. Therefore, the EEG is the most appropriate choice for monitoring and diagnosing issues related to brain injuries preoperatively.