Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

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What is the term for surgical procedures that require less than a day to perform with no overnight stay for the patient?

Inpatient surgery
Outpatient surgery
Emergency surgery
Elective surgery

The correct answer is: Outpatient surgery

The term that defines surgical procedures requiring less than a day to perform, where the patient does not need to stay overnight, is outpatient surgery. This type of surgery allows patients to return home on the same day as their procedure, making it a convenient option for both the healthcare system and patients. Outpatient surgeries can encompass a variety of procedures, such as minor orthopedic surgeries, endoscopies, or cosmetic procedures, all designed to minimize recovery time while ensuring the patient's safety and effectiveness of care. In contrast, inpatient surgery requires admission to the hospital, with an expected overnight stay or longer for monitoring and recovery. Emergency surgery refers to procedures that are performed immediately due to urgent medical conditions requiring prompt attention. Elective surgery, while it may also be performed on an outpatient basis, denotes procedures that are planned in advance and not urgently required. Thus, the nature of outpatient surgery is particularly focused on efficiency and patient convenience, reinforcing its appropriate classification.