NBSTSA CST Practice Exam B (175 Questions
with 100% Correct Answers)
A SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST IS PREPARING THE INCISION SITE FOR THE
DRESSING FOLLWING A (TAH). THE PATIENT HAS DEVELOPED A HEMATOMA AT
THE INCISION SITE. THE SURGEON HAS LEFT THE ROOM. WHICH OF THE
FOLLOWING ACTIONS SHOULD THE SURGICAL TECH TAKE?
A. PLACE A PRESSURE DRESSING
B. COVER WITH DERMABOND
C. STERI-STRIP THE INCISION
D. HAVE THE SURGEION RETURN Correct Answer: D. HAVE THE SURGEON RETURN
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS A SIGN OF CARDIAC ARREST?
A. EDEMA
B. CONVULSION
C. CYANOSIS
D. HYPERTENSION Correct Answer: C. CYANOSIS
The number of Staphylococcus aureus micro-organisms carried by the surgical technologist can
be drastically reduced by.
A. wearing a surgical cap.
B. wearing hospital scrubs.
C. keeping the OR doors closed.
D. a thorough surgical hand scrub. Correct Answer: D. a thorough surgical hand scrub.
List in order the sequence of induction for general anesthesia:
1. leads placed on the patient
2. induction agent is given through an IV
3. patient is prompted to breathe 100% oxygen
4. patient is intubated
5. anesthetic gas agent is selected and applied
A. 1, 3, 5, 4, and 2
B. 5, 2, 3, 1, and 4
C. 1, 3, 2, 4, and 5
D. 4, 2, 3, 1, and 5 Correct Answer: C. 1, 3, 2, 4, and 5
Place the following phases of wound healing by first intention in correct order from first to last:
I. proliferation
II. remodeling
III. inflammatory
,A. I, II, III
B. II, I, III
C. III, I, II
D. III, II, I Correct Answer: C. III, I, II
A surgical technologist has selected the sutures for a procedure based on the surgeon's preference
card. The surgeon states he would like additional sutures and his preference card is outdated.
Which of the following is the surgical technologist's BEST course of action?
A. Open all of the sutures that were collected and place them on the back table just in case the
surgeon needs them.
B. Return the sutures that are not needed to sterile supply and proceed with the case.
C. Ask the surgeon if he would like to have his preference card updated and proceed accordingly.
D. Update the surgeon's preference card to reflect the sutures that have been requested for this
case. Correct Answer: C. Ask the surgeon if he would like to have his preference card updated
and proceed accordingly.
While being transferred from the stretcher to the operating room bed, the patient expresses fear
of not awakening from anesthesia. The surgical technologist should.
A. proceed with the transfer and disregard patient comments.
B. explain the action of the anesthetic agent.
C. reassure the patient that the anesthetic is safe.
D. have the anesthesia care provider address the patient's concerns. Correct Answer: D. have the
anesthesia care provider address the patient's concerns.
When preparing endoscopic cameras for ethylene oxide sterilization, which of the following
monitoring processes would be utilized to ensure all parameters of sterilization were met?
A. external tape
B. biological indicator
C. dynamic air removal
D. internal strip Correct Answer: B. biological indicator
Which of the following rongeurs is used to expand the antrostomy in a Caldwell-Luc procedure?
A. Cushing
B. Bethune
C. Kerrison
D. Stille-Luer Correct Answer: C. Kerrison
,The surgical technologist in the scrub role should remain sterile following which of the following
surgical procedures?
A. laparoscopic cholecystectomy
B. carotid endarterectomy
C. total hip arthroplasty
D. tympanoplasty Correct Answer: B. carotid endarterectomy
After gowning and gloving, a surgeon activates the DuraPrep applicator and proceeds to prep the
patient for surgery. Which of the following is the BEST action to take at this time?
A. Assist the surgeon in draping the patient.
B. Regown and reglove the surgeon.
C. Remove drapes and start over.
D. Inform the supervisor. Correct Answer: B. Regown and reglove the surgeon.
Local anesthetics containing epinephrine should NEVER be used in which of the following
areas?
A. arms and legs
B. epidural spaces
C. wrists and ankles
D. digits and penis Correct Answer: D. digits and penis
To prevent contamination at the end of a surgical procedure, which of the following should be
removed LAST by the surgical technologist in the scrub role?
A. patient's drapes
B. surgical gloves
C. surgical gown
D. Mayo stand drape Correct Answer: B. surgical gloves
During a procedure, a surgical technologist notices a hole in his glove. Which of the following
should be done next?
A. Continue the case.
B. Change the glove using the open-gloving technique.
C. Change the glove using the closed-gloving technique.
D. Break scrub, rescrub, gown and glove. Correct Answer: B. Change the glove using the open-
gloving technique.
Which of the following is an unexpected occurrence that involves physiologic or psychologic
injury or death?
A. unintentional tort
B. sentinel event
C. negligence
, D. malpractice Correct Answer: B. sentinel event
Which of the following is a benign fluid-filled sac that develops in the anterior testis?
A. rectocele
B. cystocele
C. enterocele
D. hydrocele Correct Answer: D. hydrocele
When a cholecystectomy is performed, which of the following anatomical structures must be
preserved?
A. cystic duct
B. cystic vein
C. common duct
D. cystic artery Correct Answer: C. common duct
Which of the following procedures treats a congenital obstructed lesion found at the distal end of
an infant's stomach?
A. gastrostomy
B. Nissen fundoplication
C. Heller myotomy
D. pyloromyotomy Correct Answer: D. pyloromyotomy
The safest method for placing a blade on a knife handle is with a
A. Mixter.
B. gloved hand.
C. needle holder.
D. tissue forceps. Correct Answer: C. needle holder
When inflating a 5-cc balloon on a Foley catheter, which of the following would be the MOST
appropriate choice?
A. 3-5 mL of sterile water
B. 3-5 mL of normal saline
C. 8-10 mL of sterile water
D. 8-10 mL of normal saline Correct Answer: C. 8-10 mL of sterile water
The tissue that covers bones and provides movement to the skeletal system is
A. nerve.
B. cartilage.
C. muscle.
D. ligament. Correct Answer: C. muscle.
with 100% Correct Answers)
A SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST IS PREPARING THE INCISION SITE FOR THE
DRESSING FOLLWING A (TAH). THE PATIENT HAS DEVELOPED A HEMATOMA AT
THE INCISION SITE. THE SURGEON HAS LEFT THE ROOM. WHICH OF THE
FOLLOWING ACTIONS SHOULD THE SURGICAL TECH TAKE?
A. PLACE A PRESSURE DRESSING
B. COVER WITH DERMABOND
C. STERI-STRIP THE INCISION
D. HAVE THE SURGEION RETURN Correct Answer: D. HAVE THE SURGEON RETURN
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS A SIGN OF CARDIAC ARREST?
A. EDEMA
B. CONVULSION
C. CYANOSIS
D. HYPERTENSION Correct Answer: C. CYANOSIS
The number of Staphylococcus aureus micro-organisms carried by the surgical technologist can
be drastically reduced by.
A. wearing a surgical cap.
B. wearing hospital scrubs.
C. keeping the OR doors closed.
D. a thorough surgical hand scrub. Correct Answer: D. a thorough surgical hand scrub.
List in order the sequence of induction for general anesthesia:
1. leads placed on the patient
2. induction agent is given through an IV
3. patient is prompted to breathe 100% oxygen
4. patient is intubated
5. anesthetic gas agent is selected and applied
A. 1, 3, 5, 4, and 2
B. 5, 2, 3, 1, and 4
C. 1, 3, 2, 4, and 5
D. 4, 2, 3, 1, and 5 Correct Answer: C. 1, 3, 2, 4, and 5
Place the following phases of wound healing by first intention in correct order from first to last:
I. proliferation
II. remodeling
III. inflammatory
,A. I, II, III
B. II, I, III
C. III, I, II
D. III, II, I Correct Answer: C. III, I, II
A surgical technologist has selected the sutures for a procedure based on the surgeon's preference
card. The surgeon states he would like additional sutures and his preference card is outdated.
Which of the following is the surgical technologist's BEST course of action?
A. Open all of the sutures that were collected and place them on the back table just in case the
surgeon needs them.
B. Return the sutures that are not needed to sterile supply and proceed with the case.
C. Ask the surgeon if he would like to have his preference card updated and proceed accordingly.
D. Update the surgeon's preference card to reflect the sutures that have been requested for this
case. Correct Answer: C. Ask the surgeon if he would like to have his preference card updated
and proceed accordingly.
While being transferred from the stretcher to the operating room bed, the patient expresses fear
of not awakening from anesthesia. The surgical technologist should.
A. proceed with the transfer and disregard patient comments.
B. explain the action of the anesthetic agent.
C. reassure the patient that the anesthetic is safe.
D. have the anesthesia care provider address the patient's concerns. Correct Answer: D. have the
anesthesia care provider address the patient's concerns.
When preparing endoscopic cameras for ethylene oxide sterilization, which of the following
monitoring processes would be utilized to ensure all parameters of sterilization were met?
A. external tape
B. biological indicator
C. dynamic air removal
D. internal strip Correct Answer: B. biological indicator
Which of the following rongeurs is used to expand the antrostomy in a Caldwell-Luc procedure?
A. Cushing
B. Bethune
C. Kerrison
D. Stille-Luer Correct Answer: C. Kerrison
,The surgical technologist in the scrub role should remain sterile following which of the following
surgical procedures?
A. laparoscopic cholecystectomy
B. carotid endarterectomy
C. total hip arthroplasty
D. tympanoplasty Correct Answer: B. carotid endarterectomy
After gowning and gloving, a surgeon activates the DuraPrep applicator and proceeds to prep the
patient for surgery. Which of the following is the BEST action to take at this time?
A. Assist the surgeon in draping the patient.
B. Regown and reglove the surgeon.
C. Remove drapes and start over.
D. Inform the supervisor. Correct Answer: B. Regown and reglove the surgeon.
Local anesthetics containing epinephrine should NEVER be used in which of the following
areas?
A. arms and legs
B. epidural spaces
C. wrists and ankles
D. digits and penis Correct Answer: D. digits and penis
To prevent contamination at the end of a surgical procedure, which of the following should be
removed LAST by the surgical technologist in the scrub role?
A. patient's drapes
B. surgical gloves
C. surgical gown
D. Mayo stand drape Correct Answer: B. surgical gloves
During a procedure, a surgical technologist notices a hole in his glove. Which of the following
should be done next?
A. Continue the case.
B. Change the glove using the open-gloving technique.
C. Change the glove using the closed-gloving technique.
D. Break scrub, rescrub, gown and glove. Correct Answer: B. Change the glove using the open-
gloving technique.
Which of the following is an unexpected occurrence that involves physiologic or psychologic
injury or death?
A. unintentional tort
B. sentinel event
C. negligence
, D. malpractice Correct Answer: B. sentinel event
Which of the following is a benign fluid-filled sac that develops in the anterior testis?
A. rectocele
B. cystocele
C. enterocele
D. hydrocele Correct Answer: D. hydrocele
When a cholecystectomy is performed, which of the following anatomical structures must be
preserved?
A. cystic duct
B. cystic vein
C. common duct
D. cystic artery Correct Answer: C. common duct
Which of the following procedures treats a congenital obstructed lesion found at the distal end of
an infant's stomach?
A. gastrostomy
B. Nissen fundoplication
C. Heller myotomy
D. pyloromyotomy Correct Answer: D. pyloromyotomy
The safest method for placing a blade on a knife handle is with a
A. Mixter.
B. gloved hand.
C. needle holder.
D. tissue forceps. Correct Answer: C. needle holder
When inflating a 5-cc balloon on a Foley catheter, which of the following would be the MOST
appropriate choice?
A. 3-5 mL of sterile water
B. 3-5 mL of normal saline
C. 8-10 mL of sterile water
D. 8-10 mL of normal saline Correct Answer: C. 8-10 mL of sterile water
The tissue that covers bones and provides movement to the skeletal system is
A. nerve.
B. cartilage.
C. muscle.
D. ligament. Correct Answer: C. muscle.
