Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When placing a patient in the supine position, elbow pads are essential because they help protect the patient's elbows from pressure injuries, which can occur when the elbows make contact with a hard surface during surgery. This is particularly important in maintaining patient skin integrity and comfort throughout the procedure.

The application of elbow pads serves to cushion these vulnerable areas and redistribute pressure, minimizing the risk of bruising or skin breakdown. Proper use of this positioning device enhances safety and promotes optimal outcomes during surgical procedures.

Other devices, such as the kidney rest, may be used for specific surgeries or when the patient is in different positions (like lateral), while a Mayfield headrest is primarily utilized for neurosurgical procedures to secure and stabilize the head. A beanbag, often used for positioning other body parts, does not specifically address the needs of the elbows in the supine position.