Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which surgical team member determines when the patient can be transported from the OR to the PACU?

1. Anesthesia provider

2. Surgeon

3. Circulator

4. Surgical technologist

The correct answer is: Anesthesia provider

The anesthesia provider plays a crucial role in determining when a patient can be safely transported from the operating room (OR) to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). This decision is based on the patient’s anesthetic status and overall condition following surgery. The anesthesia provider monitors the patient's vital signs, level of consciousness, and recovery from anesthesia, ensuring that the patient is stable enough for transfer. In this context, the anesthesia provider assesses whether the effects of the anesthesia have worn off sufficiently to allow for a smooth transition. They consider factors such as the patient's airway patency, responsiveness, and pain management. Only after confirming that these criteria are met will the anesthesia provider give the clearance for transport, ensuring patient safety during the transfer process. While the surgeon, circulator, and surgical technologist all have critical roles in the surgical procedure, the specific decision to transport the patient is primarily under the jurisdiction of the anesthesia provider, who is specifically trained to evaluate recovery from anesthesia and its implications for patient safety.