AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Which identifiers must be verified by the patient or their ID bracelet prior to transporting a patient to the OR?

1. Name, date of birth, physician

2. Medical history, allergies, physician

3. Social security number, address, medical records

4. Phone number, insurance provider, emergency contact

The correct answer is: Name, date of birth, physician

The correct choice focuses on crucial identifiers that are necessary to ensure patient safety and the correct identification of the individual undergoing surgery. Verifying the patient's name and date of birth helps to confirm their identity definitively, which is critical in a surgical setting to prevent any mix-ups that could lead to catastrophic errors. Additionally, confirming the physician's name ensures that the patient is aware of who is performing the procedure, fostering communication and trust. The other identifiers, such as medical history and allergies, while important, are often verified through medical records and not typically confirmed directly by the patient at the time of transport. Social security numbers and demographic information like home address or phone number are not relevant to surgical identification processes and are used for administrative purposes. Emergency contact details are also not necessary for immediate identification before surgery. Thus, the identifiers associated with confirming identity and procedural awareness are prioritized effectively in the correct answer.