Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CST Practice Questions and Study Guide.

Baker's cyst is not classified as a complication associated with surgical procedures because it is a condition that typically develops due to joint issues, particularly in the knee, resulting in the accumulation of synovial fluid in a sac-like structure. It is not an outcome of surgical intervention but rather a pre-existing joint problem or an effect of conditions such as arthritis.

In contrast, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, and nausea are recognized complications that can arise from surgical procedures. Sepsis refers to a systemic inflammatory response to infection, which can happen post-operatively if proper sterile techniques are not maintained or if there are breaches in sterile fields leading to infection. Pulmonary embolism is a significant and life-threatening complication that can occur when a blood clot from the legs travels to the lungs, often related to immobility during and after surgery. Nausea is a common side effect of anesthesia and pain management medications, often experienced by patients following surgery. Each of these complications directly ties to surgical risks and outcomes, while Baker's cyst does not.