PSI NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is aseptic technique?
• During a return to the operating room for a thyroidectomy, what items are needed for managing excessive bleeding?
• Which wound is most likely in the inflammatory phase of wound healing?
• In the context of sterile technique, which action is considered inappropriate?
• Which item is MOST likely used when applying a sterile dressing to a skin graft recipient site?
• What does the term "asepsis" refer to in the surgical environment?
• What is the primary focus during the preoperative phase?
• What are major factors to consider when determining the patient's surgical position?
• Which instrument is essential for a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?
• How can surgical technologists help reduce the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs)?
• Which of the following examples illustrates unsafe technique for disposing of contaminated sharps?
• Herniation of the rectum through a weakened posterior vaginal wall is known as?
• What is the primary role of surgical technologists in infection control?
• A patient having recently undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy exhibits signs of tachycardia and muscle rigidity. What condition should the surgical team suspect?
• When should a surgical technologist perform a final count of instruments and sponges?
• What do prions uniquely lack compared to other infectious agents?
• In which surgical procedure is the pneumoperitoneum artificially created?
• Which type of incision is commonly used for an appendectomy?
• How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively?
• Which practice is significant for the prevention of surgical errors?
• Which type of anesthesia allows for movement during a procedure but not sensation?
• Which of the following supplies should be pulled by the surgical technologist for a thoracic procedure?
• What should occur immediately after inserting a Veress needle?
• After completing a carotid endarterectomy and placing the dressing, what should the surgical technologist do next?
• What is the primary reason for using drapes in surgery?
• During a cholecystectomy, which anatomical structure must be preserved?
• What is the main purpose of using a tourniquet during surgery?
• What role do surgical technologists play in communication during a procedure?
• What verifies that autoclave sterilization has occurred?
• During a laser vocal cord nodule ablation, if an airway fire occurs, what is the MOST likely cause of the fire?
• During ophthalmic procedures, which paralytic agent is used to dilate the pupil?
• During an incisional biopsy, how should specimens be handled for the best diagnostic results?
• Why is it important to position a patient correctly during surgery?
• Four people are needed to transfer a patient to the stretcher. Who gives direction for this move?
• Which of the following items should be disposed of in an appropriate sharps container?
• Plastic surgeons primarily perform surgery on which anatomical system?
• What is the primary purpose of a tourniquet during surgery?
• What is the significance of reviewing a patient's medical history prior to surgery?
• What must be done with surgical instruments after use?
• Which hormone regulates urine concentration through reabsorption?
• What is the most common indication for performing a proctoscopy?
• Why is a specimen obtained for frozen section removed from the sterile field during surgery?
• What does the acronym TM stand for in otorhinolaryngology surgery?
• Which incision is considered best for sigmoid surgery, apart from trauma cases?
• What is the primary risk associated with laparoscopic surgery?
• Which instrument may be used to extend the arteriotomy during carotid endarterectomy?
• What is the primary purpose of a surgical technologist in the operating room?
• During a craniotomy, what is the next step after the removal of the bone flap?
• An organization that regulates the production of biological sterilization test packs in-house is?
• What consideration should be taken regarding suture material for third intention closure?
• What is the primary difference between local anesthesia and general anesthesia?
• What aspect of patient care is directly influenced by the correct use of a tourniquet?
• What is the most appropriate container to send a biopsy specimen for frozen section diagnosis?
• A liver laceration is identified during an emergency exploratory laparotomy. A surgical technologist should prepare a suture attached to which type of needle?
• What are potential complications during surgery?
• What is the name of the incision made in a simple open nephrectomy?
• How should surgical instruments be cleaned before they are used?
• For a patient with suspected cancer, which aspect of the preoperative plan is considered the MOST important?
• For a Billroth I procedure, which surgical incision allows for the best visualization?
• What is the primary reason for using warm irrigation after a right hemicolectomy?
• Which of the following is a preferred retractor for a groin incision?
• If a large power saw is not functioning, what is the MOST likely cause?
• What is the biological indicator used for hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization?
• Which organization is known for setting the standards for surgical technology?
• Which of the following situations would present a problem when preparing instruments for sterilization using a paper-plastic peel pack?
• Which type of sterilization is appropriate for unwrapped instruments intended for immediate use?
• What is the primary purpose of an Esmarch bandage during surgical procedures?
• What is the role of the first surgical assistant?
• Which surgical instrument is primarily used for dissecting and grasping tissue?
• Which instruments are commonly found in a basic surgical set?
• Which of the following should be included in an orthopedic set-up?
• Which structure is primarily affected by an indirect inguinal hernia?
• If a surgeon is having difficulty closing sclerotomies at the end of a posterior capsulectomy, which medication should be requested?
• What are critical steps in ensuring fire safety in the operating room?
• During a partial nephrectomy, the surgeon asks for a large chromic suture and Gelfoam. The MAIN purpose for the use of the Gelfoam and suture is to?
• When using a laparoscopic setup, which of the following is a potential hazard associated with the equipment?
• Prior to the closure of an arteriotomy, which of the following solutions should the surgical technologist have ready for irrigation of the operative site?
• Which of the following instruments is used to cross-clamp the intestine during a bowel resection?
• A surgical "time out" must be performed prior to which event?
• What must be indicated on labels for instrument sets and packages prepared for sterilization?
• If unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure, what should a surgical technologist request?
• To maintain ergonomic positioning while completing continuing education credits at a computer, what should the surgical technologist do?
• Why is documentation essential in the surgical environment?
• What should a surgical technologist do to update a surgeon's preference card?
• What is an effective packaging material for steam sterilization of a Balfour retractor?
• Which closing supplies should be prepared for closing the fascial layer of the abdomen?
• Which combination of medications is commonly used during a MAC?
• Which of the following rongeurs is used to expand the antrostomy in a Caldwell-Luc procedure?
• Which of the following is a heavy, curved, tapered needle?
• What does the term "informed consent" mean in surgery?
• What is the name of the avascular strip of tissue at the midline which runs from the xiphoid process to the pubis?
• Which instrument is typically used in otorhinolaryngology surgery?
• What term refers to airway assessment by listening with a stethoscope?
• What is the proper procedure for caring for a patient's dentures removed in the OR?
• What is a retracting device used for in surgery?
• What type of gowning technique is utilized for surgical personnel?
• Where is the anterior chamber of the eye located?
• If a stapler received on the sterile field is not functioning properly, what should the surgical technologist do FIRST?
• In a laser laryngoscopy, which supplies must be available?
• Which protocol is vital for surgical technologists to follow for patient safety?
• In terms of wound healing, what does the presence of foreign bodies typically lead to?
• What are the key responsibilities of the scrub person during a surgical procedure?
• During a transurethral resection of the prostate, bleeding is controlled by?
• Which test monitors indicate if there is any residual air in the sterilization chamber?
• What critical factor does a tourniquet help address in surgery?
• When using an ultrasonic cleaner, what should be done FIRST?
• What role does experience play in the efficiency of a surgical technologist?
• What information is crucial to obtain during the preoperative assessment?
• In addition to the surgical technologist, who else is responsible for accurately labeling surgical specimens?
• Which of the following is the receiving nerve end of all transmission?
• What is one key component of maintaining patient safety during surgery?
• Which statement best reflects the importance of the surgical checklist in an operating room?
• What should be the surgical technologist's response when a procedure deviates from standard protocols?
• What is the first step in reducing bioburden on instruments after a surgical case?
• How do surgical technologists help in patient positioning?
• During surgery, which of the following is typically used to maintain patient body temperature?
• What do the terms "open" and "closed" mean in regard to surgical procedures?
• Which type of suture material is classified as absorbable?
• During dissection of the cystic duct and artery in an open cholecystectomy, which of the following instruments is necessary?
• What is the recommended position for a patient undergoing a hernia repair?
• What factors can significantly affect wound healing after surgery?
• Which surgical instrument is typically used for the dissection of a breast tumor?
• Which of the following supplies is part of the standard set-up for a diagnostic knee arthroscopy?
• During surgery, if the surgeon uses a local anesthetic, what should the surgical technologist do?
• During a craniotomy, which surgical instrument is typically used to retract brain tissue?
• Which of the following is MOST commonly used for wound closure in the presence of infection?
• If a hole is noticed in the surgical technologist's glove during a procedure, what should be done next?
• Which of the following conditions should be treated FIRST?
• If a major piece of equipment malfunctions and causes a patient's death, how is this situation MOST likely classified?
• For a gunshot wound repair, what type of drains should be available at the end of the procedure?
• During a Nissen fundoplication, after establishing pneumoperitoneum, what is the next step?
• Extending the arms beyond 90 degrees during a procedure may cause injury to which part?
• What role does effective communication play in the surgical checklist process?
• During a laparoscopic appendectomy, if the appendix is perforated and contents begin spilling into the abdomen, what should the surgical technologist anticipate as the next step?
• Which of the following scissors is MOST likely found in a basic hysterectomy set-up?
• How should surgical instruments be organized on a sterile field?
• During which phase of surgery is the surgical technologist most engaged with the surgical team?
• What is the minimum exposure time in an immediate use sterilizer for unwrapped instruments?
• What should be done to instruments that are classified as non-sterile?
• What is the primary purpose of performing a parotidectomy?
• What is the role of the surgical technologist during a fire incident in the operating room?
• What is the primary role of the circulating nurse in the operating room?
• What special equipment should be open and available for a laser removal of condyloma acuminata?
• What type of feedback can a surgical technologist expect from the surgical team?
• Why is understanding the surgical procedure being performed important?
• Before sterilizing an instrument with a lumen, what must be done?
• Which of the following is a benefit of using a surgical checklist?
• When exposed to ionizing radiation, what material should staff and patients' personal protective equipment contain?
• Why are lab values significant in preoperative assessment?
• Which item does the surgical technologist give to the anesthesia care provider to assist in displacing blood during a Bier block?
• Which wound class is assigned to a surgery in which the bowel was accidentally perforated during the procedure?
• What should surgical technologists do if they identify a safety issue during surgery?
• Which of the following is the MOST common palpable mass in women of reproductive age?
• The opening in the occipital bone through which the spinal cord passes is known as the foramen?
• Which aspect is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room?
• Which of the following is a tonsillolith?
• What is the most effective method to mechanically control bleeding from needle holes in vessel anastomoses?
• In which situation can a DNR order be continued for an unconscious patient during surgery?
• What type of information should surgical technologists communicate to the surgical team?
• Which instrument is used to grasp the cervix during a dilation and curettage?
• What is the standard rate in air exchanges per hour in an operating room suite?
• Why is it important for surgical technologists to stay current with advancements in surgical techniques?
• A patient is in the supine position for a procedure. Padding is placed under the elbows to decrease pressure on which nerve?
• Which position is typically used for a total hip arthroplasty?
• What is the role of drains after surgical procedures?
• Which ions do the kidneys help regulate in the blood?
• Which instrument is used to grasp the base of the hemorrhoid during a hemorrhoidectomy?
• Where does the FIRST step in instrument cleaning and decontamination take place?
• Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient experiencing anaphylaxis?
• A Javid shunt is used for which of the following procedures?
• What is the primary purpose of a saline drop test in surgery?
• What is the significance of using a surgical checklist?
• What is the most appropriate action for the surgeon after activating the DuraPrep applicator for skin prep?
• Which of the following is the MOST effective method for reprocessing endoscopes used during a colonoscopy?
• What is the main concern when using monopolar electrosurgery?
• What are common lab tests performed for preoperative assessment?
• After a surgical procedure, infectious waste is separated from all other waste and placed in
• What term describes the act of discussing a student's lack of instrument knowledge inappropriately?
• A Stamey needle is used for which of the following types of surgery?
• When a surgical technologist notices that the tray wrapper is wet, what should they do FIRST?
• What pathological condition may be caused by excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?
• What is the importance of maintaining a sterile field during surgery?
• The vermiform appendix is an anatomical structure that originates from which part of the digestive system?
• What is the primary focus of the surgical technologist in maintaining a sterile field?
• What factor is associated with an increased risk of Surgical Site Infection (SSI)?
• A proper informed consent should include which of the following?
• Which device should the surgical technologist deliver to the sterile field for a low anterior resection?
• The FIRST sign of malignant hyperthermia is?
• What is the primary purpose of a Bowie-Dick test in sterilization?
• Which area is considered contaminated when evaluating a patient's skin for preoperative prep?
• What items must the surgical technologist have available after a thyroidectomy?
• What is the purpose of using a stockinette in surgical draping?
• Which instrument is used to thread a vascular graft from one incision to another?
• Which of the following is a common category of surgical instruments?
• During which of the following phases of infection do pathogens actively replicate, but the host shows no symptoms?
• A three-way Foley catheter is inserted following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to achieve what purpose?
• In which position is a patient typically placed for a right nephrectomy?
• How do surgical technologists contribute to safety protocols?
• When performing a parotidectomy, which of the following nerves is identified and preserved with the use of a nerve stimulator?
• During an open repair of an indirect hernia, which drain should a surgical technologist have available to pass the surgeon?
• When preparing cannulated instruments for steam sterilization, the instrument lumen should be?
• If a surgeon requests Gelfoam soaked with thrombin, the method to maintain hemostasis is?
• What is the role of ADH in the human body?
• When loading items in a gravity displaced steam sterilizer, heavy packs should be placed where?
• What is a common instrument used for cutting tissue during general surgery?
• Which system allows tumors in metastatic cancer to extend beyond their regional area?
• For laparoscopic surgery, which instrument is commonly used to grasp tissue?
• Growth in the length of a long bone occurs at which location?
• What is the purpose of a positioner in surgery?
• What are the three phases of the surgical process?
• What is the first step in applying the pneumatic tourniquet?
• What is a primary reason for using a nerve stimulator during facial surgery?
• What is the best method for ensuring the sterility of an instrument pack?
• Why is adhering to a surgical checklist vital before commencing surgery?
• While removing the drapes, if the surgical technologist recognizes some bleeding through the dressing, what should be their first step?
• If there is uncertainty about handling a specimen, which department should be consulted?
• What is the minimum number of surgical team members required to transfer an anesthetized patient from the OR table to the gurney?
• What is the role of the surgical technologist during patient transport?
• Which of the following structures forms major parts of the brain?
• Immediately before a hemorrhoidectomy, which of the following procedures might be performed on the patient in the OR?
• What types of surgical scrub techniques are commonly used?
• When infection is present, the MOST commonly used suture is?
• Which type of connective tissue fastens muscle to bone?
• What is the definition of a "surgical site infection" (SSI)?
• What does adherence to procedural protocols ensure for surgical technologists?
• What is a common use for Coban in surgical settings?
• What is the purpose of a surgical schedule?
• For an open hemicolectomy, which instrument is MOST likely to be placed on a second mayo stand for dirty surgical instruments?
• What constitutes the "time out" procedure in surgery?
• When a break in aseptic technique occurs, who should the surgical technologist first notify?
• During which procedure is Gelfoam most commonly used?
• When holding a suction wand 1 cm from the surgical site, what is the approximate percentage of surgical plume effectively evacuated?
• Which technique ensures safety and protection during the intraoperative phase?
• What are the categories of surgical procedures based on urgency?
• What does hemostasis refer to in a surgical context?
• During a laparoscopic appendectomy, which type of stapler should the surgical technologist have ready on the back table for removing the appendix?
• When steam enters an autoclave from an outside source, it is heated in the?
• Which of the following retractors should the surgical technologist have available to provide exposure to the patellar tendon while harvesting the graft for an ACL repair?
• When preparing endoscopic cameras for ethylene oxide sterilization, which monitoring process is utilized to ensure all sterilization parameters are met?
• What is a benign fluid-filled sac that develops in the anterior testis?
• What is the purpose of a safe and effective handoff in the operating room?
• In surgical procedures, what is the primary purpose of hemostatic agents like Gelfoam?
• What is the primary role of antiseptics in surgical procedures?
• If a surgical technologist refilled a 10 cc syringe with local anesthetic three times and there was 5 cc left, how much anesthetic was used?
• During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, if the surgeon determines that the procedure will convert to an open case, which incision is preferred for access?
• Which of the following should be prepared for a mastoid dressing?
• In a triage situation, which tag indicates the least critical status for patients?
• What kind of lighting is utilized in the operating room?
• During which phase of surgery is the surgeon most likely to perform hemostasis?
• A surgical incision sutured together with wound edges in direct contact is referred to as which type of closure?
• If a patient is bleeding at the surgical site after a lumbar laminectomy and requires a return to the OR, what complication should the surgeon suspect if not resolved immediately?
• During the intraoperative phase, which activity can be completed by both sterile and non-sterile members of the surgical team?
• What is the consequence of not using a laser-specific endotracheal tube during laser surgery?
• What is the primary responsibility of surgical technologists in relation to patient safety?
• A surgeon requests a patient to be placed into the lithotomy position for the surgical procedure. Which of the following positioning devices must be obtained?