AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common complication of poorly performed surgical techniques?

1. Hemorrhage

2. Infection

3. Dehiscence

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

All of the options listed—hemorrhage, infection, and dehiscence—are indeed potential complications that can arise from poorly performed surgical techniques. Hemorrhage refers to excessive bleeding during or after surgery, which can occur due to inadequate control of blood vessels or poor surgical hemostasis. This complication can lead to significant physiological stress on the patient and may require additional interventions to manage the blood loss. Infection is another significant risk associated with surgical procedures. Poor surgical technique, such as improper sterilization, inadequate wound closure, or failure to maintain a sterile field, can introduce pathogens into the surgical site, leading to postoperative infections. Infections can complicate recovery and may necessitate further surgical interventions or prolonged antibiotic treatment. Dehiscence, which is the partial or total separation of the surgical wound, can occur if the tissue approximation is inadequate. Factors contributing to wound dehiscence include tension on the sutures, poor tissue handling, or insufficient suturing techniques. This complication can result in delayed healing and increased risk of infection. Since each of these complications is directly related to the quality of surgical techniques, it is accurate to state that poorly performed surgical techniques can lead to all of the aforementioned complications. Therefore, selecting 'All