Operation Theatre Technologist Prometric exam questions with answers

1. Question 1Anaesthesia Assistance and Airway Managementmedium

   What is the purpose of the pin index safety system on small medical gas cylinders?

   1. ATo regulate the outlet pressure
   2. BTo show the cylinder contents level
   3. CTo prevent connecting the wrong gas
   4. DTo prevent cylinder overheating
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: C. To prevent connecting the wrong gas

   Each gas has a unique pin arrangement on the yoke so that only the correct cylinder fits, preventing wrong gas connection. Contents are shown by the pressure gauge, and pressure is controlled by the regulator.

2. Question 2Anaesthesia Assistance and Airway Managementhard

   After failed intubation and failed supraglottic airway insertion, the patient cannot be oxygenated by face mask and saturation is falling. What is the next step in current adult guidance?

   1. ASwitch to a smaller face mask
   2. BAnother five intubation attempts
   3. CWake the patient with naloxone
   4. DScalpel cricothyroidotomy
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: D. Scalpel cricothyroidotomy

   In a can't intubate, can't oxygenate situation, the DAS guideline calls for emergency front-of-neck access using a scalpel-bougie-tube technique. Repeated intubation attempts waste time and worsen hypoxia.

3. Question 3Asepsis, Sterilisation and Infection Controlmedium

   An alcohol-based chlorhexidine skin preparation is applied before a procedure using diathermy. What is the key safety step before draping?

   1. ADrape immediately while still wet
   2. BAllow it to dry fully with no pooling
   3. CBlot it off with a sterile towel
   4. DApply a second wet coat
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: B. Allow it to dry fully with no pooling

   Alcohol vapour and pooled solution are flammable, so the preparation must dry completely and pooling under the patient must be avoided before drapes and diathermy are used. Draping over wet prep traps vapour and creates fire risk.

4. Question 4Asepsis, Sterilisation and Infection Controlmedium

   How should hinged instruments such as artery forceps be placed in a tray for steam sterilisation?

   1. ALocked on the first ratchet
   2. BClosed and fully locked
   3. COpen and unlocked
   4. DTied together with rubber bands
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: C. Open and unlocked

   Hinged instruments are processed open and unlocked so that steam reaches all surfaces, including the box lock. Locked instruments can trap air and develop stress cracks.

5. Question 5Surgical Procedures, Wound Closure and Specimenseasy

   Which suture material is absorbable?

   1. APolyglactin 910
   2. BPolypropylene
   3. CNylon
   4. DStainless steel wire
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: A. Polyglactin 910

   Polyglactin 910 is a synthetic braided suture absorbed by hydrolysis over about 2 to 3 months. Polypropylene, nylon and steel are non-absorbable.

6. Question 6Patient Positioning and Safetymedium

   During a long supine procedure, which measure best protects the heels from pressure injury?

   1. ALet heels rest on the mattress
   2. BRest heels on a folded towel
   3. CFloat heels with calf support
   4. DStrap the feet firmly to the table
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: C. Float heels with calf support

   Heels should be offloaded by supporting the calves so the heels float, spreading pressure along the lower leg. Towels and direct mattress contact still load the heel.

7. Question 7Theatre Emergencies and Resuscitationhard

   During a brachial plexus block, a patient becomes agitated, has a seizure and then develops a broad-complex arrhythmia. Besides airway and seizure control, which specific treatment should be prepared?

   1. AMagnesium sulfate
   2. BSodium bicarbonate 8.4%
   3. CCalcium gluconate 10%
   4. D20% lipid emulsion
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: D. 20% lipid emulsion

   These are features of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity, and 20% lipid emulsion is the specific treatment. Bicarbonate and calcium are not specific antidotes.

8. Question 8Theatre Emergencies and Resuscitationeasy

   An adult in theatre has a cardiac arrest. What compression rate and depth are recommended?

   1. A60 to 80 per minute, 2 to 3 cm
   2. B100 to 120 per minute, 5 to 6 cm
   3. C140 to 160 per minute, 8 cm
   4. D80 per minute, 3 to 4 cm
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: B. 100 to 120 per minute, 5 to 6 cm

   High-quality CPR requires 100 to 120 compressions per minute at a depth of 5 to 6 cm with full recoil. Slower or shallower compressions reduce perfusion.

9. Question 9Surgical Instruments, Equipment and Electrosurgerymedium

   A patient with an implanted cardiac pacemaker needs haemostasis during hand surgery. Which electrosurgical mode is safest?

   1. ABipolar electrosurgery
   2. BMonopolar cutting at high power
   3. CMonopolar coagulation
   4. DMonopolar with pad on the chest
   Show answer and explanation▾

   Answer: A. Bipolar electrosurgery

   In bipolar mode current flows only between the forceps tips, so little current passes through the patient and interference with the pacemaker is minimised. Monopolar current travels through the body to the return electrode.

10. Question 10Surgical Instruments, Equipment and Electrosurgerymedium

    For an adult laparoscopic cholecystectomy, at what intra-abdominal pressure is the CO2 insufflator usually set?

    1. A12 to 15 mmHg
    2. B3 to 5 mmHg
    3. C25 to 30 mmHg
    4. D40 to 50 mmHg
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: A. 12 to 15 mmHg

    A pneumoperitoneum of about 12 to 15 mmHg gives adequate working space in adults while limiting effects on venous return and ventilation. Higher pressures reduce cardiac output and increase CO2 absorption.

11. Question 11Surgical Procedures, Wound Closure and Specimensmedium

    A surgeon requests a frozen section on a breast margin. How should the specimen be sent?

    1. AIn 70% alcohol with the request
    2. BIn 10% formalin with the routine batch
    3. CIn saline-soaked gauze the next day
    4. DFresh, without fixative, sent at once
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: D. Fresh, without fixative, sent at once

    Frozen sections require fresh, unfixed tissue sent immediately to the laboratory with correct labelling. Formalin fixation prevents frozen section and delays the intraoperative decision.

12. Question 12Surgical Procedures, Wound Closure and Specimensmedium

    During a sternotomy, there is oozing from the cut bone edges. Which haemostatic agent is applied mechanically to seal bleeding bone?

    1. ATranexamic acid tablets
    2. BTopical thrombin spray
    3. COxidised cellulose
    4. DBone wax
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: D. Bone wax

    Bone wax is a mechanical tamponade agent pressed into cut bone to occlude bleeding channels. Oxidised cellulose and thrombin act on soft tissue bleeding, and tablets are not a topical option.

13. Question 13Theatre Emergencies and Resuscitationmedium

    An elderly patient is having a 3-hour open abdominal operation. Which measure best prevents inadvertent perioperative hypothermia?

    1. AExtra cotton blankets after surgery
    2. BForced-air warming from induction
    3. CLowering theatre temperature
    4. DCold irrigation fluid
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: B. Forced-air warming from induction

    Active forced-air warming started from induction, plus warmed fluids, is recommended for procedures over 30 minutes. Passive blankets after surgery are too late.

14. Question 14Theatre Environment and Designmedium

    Which environmental range is appropriate for a general operating room?

    1. A15 to 18 degrees Celsius, humidity above 80%
    2. B20 to 24 degrees Celsius, humidity up to 60%
    3. C26 to 30 degrees Celsius, humidity above 70%
    4. D10 to 15 degrees Celsius, humidity below 10%
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: B. 20 to 24 degrees Celsius, humidity up to 60%

    Operating rooms are generally kept at about 20 to 24 degrees Celsius with relative humidity no higher than 60%, balancing staff comfort, patient warmth and microbial control. High humidity encourages microbial growth, and very low humidity increases static.

15. Question 15Theatre Environment and Designmedium

    A technologist enters the restricted zone where sterile supplies are open. What attire is required in addition to theatre scrubs and a head cover?

    1. AA lead apron
    2. BA surgical mask
    3. CSterile gloves
    4. DA sterile gown
    Show answer and explanation▾

    Answer: B. A surgical mask

    In the restricted area, masks are worn wherever open sterile supplies or scrubbed persons are present. Sterile gowns and gloves are only for scrubbed team members.

Last reviewed September 2026. Questions are original and written to the published exam blueprint; they are not taken from any real paper.