Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which postoperative complication is commonly associated with total hip arthroplasty?

1. Compartment syndrome

2. Upper extremity weakness

3. Urinary incontinence

4. Pulmonary embolism

The correct answer is: Pulmonary embolism

Total hip arthroplasty, or hip replacement surgery, involves significant alterations to the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to various postoperative complications. One of the most critical complications associated with this procedure is pulmonary embolism. After hip surgery, particularly in patients who may have underlying risk factors such as obesity, prolonged immobility, or a history of thromboembolism, the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases. DVT can occur when blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs due to reduced blood flow during and after surgery. If a portion of this clot dislodges, it can travel to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. The significance of pulmonary embolism lies in its potential to be life-threatening, as it can obstruct blood flow to the lungs and reduce oxygen supply to the body. This complication can manifest with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and in severe cases, can lead to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. In contrast, while complications like compartment syndrome, upper extremity weakness, and urinary incontinence are possible after surgical interventions, they are not specifically prevalent or directly associated with the surgical procedure of total hip arthroplasty as pulmonary embolism is