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

The term for the type of skin prep that involves cleaning the entire extremity is circumferential. This approach entails preparing the skin in a complete loop around the extremity, ensuring that the surgical site is thoroughly disinfected from all angles. Circumferential skin prep is essential in surgical procedures to minimize the risk of infection and ensure optimal outcomes by covering the entire area that may be involved in the procedure.

Other options, while related to different preparation techniques, are not applicable to this specific context. For example, spiral, horizontal, and longitudinal typically refer to directions or patterns of preparation that do not encompass the extremity entirely. Each of those methods may only focus on a portion of the extremity, making circumferential the most comprehensive and appropriate choice for the entire area. Understanding these terms can aid surgical techs in effectively preparing a surgical site and maintaining high standards of hygiene.