NBSTSA Certified Surgical
Technologist Exam Results and
Insights
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, what should the surgical technologist do if the appendix is
perforated? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Suction the fluid from the abdomen to limit postoperative
complications.
What is the consequence of continuing to remove the appendix after perforation during a laparoscopic
procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It increases the possibility of postoperative complications.
Why can't a Kelly clamp be placed over a perforation during a laparoscopic procedure? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ This step can only be performed during an open procedure.
What should not be done after a carotid endarterectomy until the patient leaves the room? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ The back table, mayo, and basin should not be torn down.
What is the best practice for handling the back table and instruments after a carotid endarterectomy? -
CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Keep the back table, mayo, and basin sterile until the patient is transported
to PACU.
What should a surgical technologist prepare for a mastoid dressing? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Several
fluffed sponges and rolled gauze.
Why are squared gauze sponges not suitable for a mastoid dressing? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ They
are not bulky or compatible for this area of the body.
What is the purpose of using an abdominal pad in surgical dressings? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is
primarily for pressure dressings to eliminate dead space.
What is the significance of using fluffed sponges in complex ear procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
They are required for mastoid dressings.
What is the role of Kerlix or Kling in mastoid dressing preparation? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ They are
types of rolled gauze used in conjunction with fluffed sponges.
What is a potential issue with using gauze sponges and a Velcro strap for mastoid dressing? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ Gauze sponges need to be fluffed, and a Velcro strap is not necessary for mastoid
dressing.
What is the reference for the surgical technologist's preparation for a mastoid dressing? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach, 2017, 5th
Ed: pg. 632.
What is the reference for the surgical technologist's actions during a laparoscopic appendectomy? -
CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice, 2018, 7th Edition, Joanna
Kotcher Fuller: pg. 532.
,What is the reference for the best practices after a carotid endarterectomy? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach, 2017, 5th Ed: pg. 375.
What is the first step in applying a pneumatic tourniquet? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Padding the limb
where the tourniquet is to be wrapped with Webril.
What should be done before applying a pneumatic tourniquet? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The limb
should be prepped with ChloraPrep, avoiding the area where the tourniquet will be placed.
Which instrument is used to grasp the cervix during a dilation and curettage? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ The Schroeder, which is a tenaculum with a single tooth.
How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Three lobes
in the right lung and two lobes in the left lung.
What is the significance of the left lung having fewer lobes than the right lung? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ The left lung has only an upper and lower lobe due to the position of the heart.
What should a surgical technologist do when a break in aseptic technique occurs? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ First notify the contaminating team member.
What pathological condition is caused by excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain? -
CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Hydrocephalus.
What is hydrocephalus? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is the excessive production or build-up of
cerebrospinal fluid in the brain or ventricles.
What is an encephalocele? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ A brain protrusion through a cranial fissure.
What does cranial bifida refer to? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ An incomplete closure of the cranial
bones.
What condition is characterized by premature ossification of skull sutures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
Craniosynostosis.
What is the purpose of wrapping the limb with Webril before applying a tourniquet? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ To provide protection to the area where the tourniquet is placed and inflated.
What is the function of the Esmarch bandage in relation to the pneumatic tourniquet? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is applied after the Webril and tourniquet have been positioned, used for
exsanguination.
What is the role of the circulating nurse in relation to breaks in aseptic technique? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ The circulating nurse does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a break in
technique.
What is the role of the OR supervisor regarding breaks in aseptic technique? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
The OR supervisor does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a break in technique.
,What is the role of the anesthesia provider in relation to breaks in aseptic technique? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ The anesthesia provider does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a
break in technique.
What is the purpose of using a Sims instrument? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is a vaginal retractor
used for gynecological procedures.
What is the Auvard instrument used for? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is a weighted vaginal retractor
used for gynecological procedures.
What type of forceps is Bozeman? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is a long dressing forceps used for
packing the vagina.
What is the recommended action if a break in aseptic technique occurs? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
Each person is responsible for taking appropriate action to correct the error.
What is the main concern with applying prep solution under the tourniquet cuff? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ It can cause burns.
What is the anatomical reason for the difference in lobes between the right and left lungs? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ The left lung has a reduced number of lobes due to the position of the heart.
What should a surgical technologist request if unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal
procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Lap sponges, as they are used to provide pressure on bleeding
vessels or to absorb excess blood.
What should be done with Raytec sponges during a surgical procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
They should be secured to a sponge stick or removed from the field.
Why are Kitners not useful for controlling major bleeding? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Kitners are too
small and will not be effective in stopping major bleeding.
What is the primary use of cottonoids in surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Cottonoids may be used
for small areas only and are not effective for controlling major bleeding.
Where does growth in the length of a long bone occur? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ At the epiphyseal
plate, also known as the growth plate.
What is the diaphysis of a long bone? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The diaphysis is the shaft of the long
bone and does not contribute to bone growth.
What is the function of the medullary canal in a long bone? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The medullary
canal contains bone marrow, which supplies nutrients to the bone.
What is the role of articular cartilage in bones? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Articular cartilage is elastic
supportive tissue at the ends of bones and does not contribute to bone growth.
In which situation can a DNR order be continued for an unconscious patient during surgery? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ If the patient's durable Power of Attorney requests it be continued.
, Why can't the patient's family continue a DNR order during surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The
family does not have legal authority by law to continue a DNR order.
What is the surgeon's legal authority regarding DNR orders during surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
The surgeon does not have legal authority to continue a DNR order.
What is the CRNA's legal authority regarding DNR orders during surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
The CRNA does not have legal authority to continue a DNR order.
What is the primary reason for a surgeon to request warm irrigation after a right hemicolectomy? -
CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ To aid visual inspection for leakage and ensure a watertight seal of all
anastomoses.
What is one reason why irrigation is not primarily used to maintain core body temperature? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ Body temperature is maintained using thermoregulatory devices, not irrigation.
What is the purpose of irrigation in removing loose tissue during surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
While irrigation can help remove loose tissue, it is not the main reason for performing irrigation.
What is the significance of a watertight seal in surgical procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ A
watertight seal is essential to prevent peritonitis.
What does the term 'epiphyseal plate' refer to? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The epiphyseal plate is the
center for ossification at each extremity of a long bone.
What is the main purpose of lap sponges in surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ To provide pressure on
bleeding vessels or absorb excess blood.
What is the role of the Power of Attorney in medical decisions for incapacitated patients? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ The Power of Attorney is legally permitted to make medical decisions when the patient
is incapacitated.
What is the importance of visual inspection during surgical procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
Visual inspection is crucial for ensuring the integrity of anastomoses and preventing complications.
What happens to a DNR order during surgery in many hospitals? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Many
hospitals have a policy to rescind the DNR during surgery.
What is the primary function of irrigation in surgical procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Irrigation
aids in cleaning the surgical area and inspecting for any issues.
What is the significance of the growth plate in long bones? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The growth
plate is essential for the lengthening of long bones during development.
What is the role of irrigation in surgical procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Irrigation aids in
visually inspecting the watertight seal of all anastomoses but does not completely eliminate infection-
causing microbes.
Why is a watertight seal of all anastomoses essential? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ To prevent
peritonitis.
Technologist Exam Results and
Insights
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, what should the surgical technologist do if the appendix is
perforated? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Suction the fluid from the abdomen to limit postoperative
complications.
What is the consequence of continuing to remove the appendix after perforation during a laparoscopic
procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It increases the possibility of postoperative complications.
Why can't a Kelly clamp be placed over a perforation during a laparoscopic procedure? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ This step can only be performed during an open procedure.
What should not be done after a carotid endarterectomy until the patient leaves the room? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ The back table, mayo, and basin should not be torn down.
What is the best practice for handling the back table and instruments after a carotid endarterectomy? -
CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Keep the back table, mayo, and basin sterile until the patient is transported
to PACU.
What should a surgical technologist prepare for a mastoid dressing? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Several
fluffed sponges and rolled gauze.
Why are squared gauze sponges not suitable for a mastoid dressing? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ They
are not bulky or compatible for this area of the body.
What is the purpose of using an abdominal pad in surgical dressings? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is
primarily for pressure dressings to eliminate dead space.
What is the significance of using fluffed sponges in complex ear procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
They are required for mastoid dressings.
What is the role of Kerlix or Kling in mastoid dressing preparation? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ They are
types of rolled gauze used in conjunction with fluffed sponges.
What is a potential issue with using gauze sponges and a Velcro strap for mastoid dressing? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ Gauze sponges need to be fluffed, and a Velcro strap is not necessary for mastoid
dressing.
What is the reference for the surgical technologist's preparation for a mastoid dressing? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach, 2017, 5th
Ed: pg. 632.
What is the reference for the surgical technologist's actions during a laparoscopic appendectomy? -
CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice, 2018, 7th Edition, Joanna
Kotcher Fuller: pg. 532.
,What is the reference for the best practices after a carotid endarterectomy? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach, 2017, 5th Ed: pg. 375.
What is the first step in applying a pneumatic tourniquet? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Padding the limb
where the tourniquet is to be wrapped with Webril.
What should be done before applying a pneumatic tourniquet? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The limb
should be prepped with ChloraPrep, avoiding the area where the tourniquet will be placed.
Which instrument is used to grasp the cervix during a dilation and curettage? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ The Schroeder, which is a tenaculum with a single tooth.
How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Three lobes
in the right lung and two lobes in the left lung.
What is the significance of the left lung having fewer lobes than the right lung? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ The left lung has only an upper and lower lobe due to the position of the heart.
What should a surgical technologist do when a break in aseptic technique occurs? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ First notify the contaminating team member.
What pathological condition is caused by excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain? -
CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Hydrocephalus.
What is hydrocephalus? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is the excessive production or build-up of
cerebrospinal fluid in the brain or ventricles.
What is an encephalocele? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ A brain protrusion through a cranial fissure.
What does cranial bifida refer to? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ An incomplete closure of the cranial
bones.
What condition is characterized by premature ossification of skull sutures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
Craniosynostosis.
What is the purpose of wrapping the limb with Webril before applying a tourniquet? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ To provide protection to the area where the tourniquet is placed and inflated.
What is the function of the Esmarch bandage in relation to the pneumatic tourniquet? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is applied after the Webril and tourniquet have been positioned, used for
exsanguination.
What is the role of the circulating nurse in relation to breaks in aseptic technique? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ The circulating nurse does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a break in
technique.
What is the role of the OR supervisor regarding breaks in aseptic technique? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
The OR supervisor does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a break in technique.
,What is the role of the anesthesia provider in relation to breaks in aseptic technique? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ The anesthesia provider does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a
break in technique.
What is the purpose of using a Sims instrument? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is a vaginal retractor
used for gynecological procedures.
What is the Auvard instrument used for? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is a weighted vaginal retractor
used for gynecological procedures.
What type of forceps is Bozeman? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ It is a long dressing forceps used for
packing the vagina.
What is the recommended action if a break in aseptic technique occurs? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
Each person is responsible for taking appropriate action to correct the error.
What is the main concern with applying prep solution under the tourniquet cuff? - CORRECT ANSWER
✔✔✔ It can cause burns.
What is the anatomical reason for the difference in lobes between the right and left lungs? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ The left lung has a reduced number of lobes due to the position of the heart.
What should a surgical technologist request if unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal
procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Lap sponges, as they are used to provide pressure on bleeding
vessels or to absorb excess blood.
What should be done with Raytec sponges during a surgical procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
They should be secured to a sponge stick or removed from the field.
Why are Kitners not useful for controlling major bleeding? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Kitners are too
small and will not be effective in stopping major bleeding.
What is the primary use of cottonoids in surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Cottonoids may be used
for small areas only and are not effective for controlling major bleeding.
Where does growth in the length of a long bone occur? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ At the epiphyseal
plate, also known as the growth plate.
What is the diaphysis of a long bone? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The diaphysis is the shaft of the long
bone and does not contribute to bone growth.
What is the function of the medullary canal in a long bone? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The medullary
canal contains bone marrow, which supplies nutrients to the bone.
What is the role of articular cartilage in bones? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Articular cartilage is elastic
supportive tissue at the ends of bones and does not contribute to bone growth.
In which situation can a DNR order be continued for an unconscious patient during surgery? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ If the patient's durable Power of Attorney requests it be continued.
, Why can't the patient's family continue a DNR order during surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The
family does not have legal authority by law to continue a DNR order.
What is the surgeon's legal authority regarding DNR orders during surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
The surgeon does not have legal authority to continue a DNR order.
What is the CRNA's legal authority regarding DNR orders during surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
The CRNA does not have legal authority to continue a DNR order.
What is the primary reason for a surgeon to request warm irrigation after a right hemicolectomy? -
CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ To aid visual inspection for leakage and ensure a watertight seal of all
anastomoses.
What is one reason why irrigation is not primarily used to maintain core body temperature? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ Body temperature is maintained using thermoregulatory devices, not irrigation.
What is the purpose of irrigation in removing loose tissue during surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
While irrigation can help remove loose tissue, it is not the main reason for performing irrigation.
What is the significance of a watertight seal in surgical procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ A
watertight seal is essential to prevent peritonitis.
What does the term 'epiphyseal plate' refer to? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The epiphyseal plate is the
center for ossification at each extremity of a long bone.
What is the main purpose of lap sponges in surgery? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ To provide pressure on
bleeding vessels or absorb excess blood.
What is the role of the Power of Attorney in medical decisions for incapacitated patients? - CORRECT
ANSWER ✔✔✔ The Power of Attorney is legally permitted to make medical decisions when the patient
is incapacitated.
What is the importance of visual inspection during surgical procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔
Visual inspection is crucial for ensuring the integrity of anastomoses and preventing complications.
What happens to a DNR order during surgery in many hospitals? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Many
hospitals have a policy to rescind the DNR during surgery.
What is the primary function of irrigation in surgical procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Irrigation
aids in cleaning the surgical area and inspecting for any issues.
What is the significance of the growth plate in long bones? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ The growth
plate is essential for the lengthening of long bones during development.
What is the role of irrigation in surgical procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ Irrigation aids in
visually inspecting the watertight seal of all anastomoses but does not completely eliminate infection-
causing microbes.
Why is a watertight seal of all anastomoses essential? - CORRECT ANSWER ✔✔✔ To prevent
peritonitis.
