Surgical Tech Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Surgical Tech Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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What type of medication might an anesthesiologist prescribe to alleviate a patient's anxiety before a procedure?

Analgesic
Antibiotic
Anxiolytic
Antidepressant

The correct answer is: Anxiolytic

The correct choice is an anxiolytic, which is a type of medication specifically designed to reduce anxiety. Anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines, are often prescribed to help patients feel calmer and more relaxed before undergoing a surgical procedure. This can be particularly important in surgery settings where anxiety may heighten a patient's stress levels, possibly affecting their overall experience and response to anesthesia. Analgesics, which are used for pain relief, do not address anxiety directly and would not be suitable for this particular purpose. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to prevent or treat infections, and while they are important in the surgical context, they do not have any effect on anxiety. Antidepressants, while they can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety in the long term, are not specifically tailored for immediate anxiety relief before a procedure. Therefore, an anxiolytic is the most appropriate choice for alleviating a patient's anxiety prior to surgery.