NBSTSA practice test A 2022/2023

NBSTSA practice test A 2022/2023 NBSTSA practice test A 2022/2023 During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the appendix is perforated, and contents begin spilling into the abdomen. Which of the following should the surgical technologist anticipate as the NEXT step? - Answer Suction the fluid from the abdomen. A carotid endarterectomy has just been finished and the dressing is on. The surgical technologist begins removing all sharps and non-disposables from the drapes before pushing everything back. According to best practice, which of the following should be the NEXT step? - Answer Push the back table, mayo, and basin back and keep sterile until the patient is transported to PACU. Which of the following should be prepared for a mastoid dressing? - Answer Several fluffed sponges and rolled gauze Which of the following is the FIRST step in applying the pneumatic tourniquet? - Answer Padding the limb where the tourniquet is to be wrapped with Webril When performing a dilation and curettage, which of the following instruments is used to grasp the cervix? - Answer Schroeder How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively? - Answer Three, two When a break in aseptic technique occurs, the surgical technologist should FIRST notify the - Answer Contaminating team member Which of the following pathological conditions may be caused by an excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain? - Answer Hydrocephalus If unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure, a surgical technologist should request additional - Answer Lap sponges Growth in the length of a long bone occurs at the - Answer Epiphyseal plate In which of the following situations can a DNR order be continued in an unconscious patient for a surgical procedure? - Answer The patient's durable POA requests it be continued. A surgeon asks for warm irrigation after a right hemicolectomy. Which of the following BEST describes the reason for irrigating at this point in the procedure? - Answer To aid in visual inspection for leakage The rate per hour in air exchanges in a standard OR suite is - Answer 15-25. If there is any question related to handling a specific type of specimen, which of the following departments should be consulted? - Answer Pathology A patient's dentures are removed in the operating room. Which of the following is the proper procedure for the care of the dentures? - Answer Place them in a labeled cup and keep them with the patient's chart. A patient is scheduled for laser removal of condyloma acuminata. As a safety precaution, the surgical technologist should have which of the following special equipment open and available? - Answer Smoke evacuator Apart from trauma cases, which of the following incisions would be BEST for sigmoid surgery? - Answer Vertical paramedian The kidneys help regulate the blood levels of several ions, including - Answer Sodium, potassium, and calcium Which of the following is the MOST effective mechanical method of controlling bleeding occurring from needle holes in vessel anatomoses? - Answer Pledget Which of the following tags indicates the least critical of patients in a triage situation? - Answer Green During a craniotomy, removal of the bone flap is followed by - Answer Incision of the dura mater. After gowning and gloving, a surgeon activates the DuraPrep applicator and performs the initial skin prep for surgery. Which of the following is the BEST action to take at this time? - Answer Regown and reglove the surgeon. A specimen obtained for frozen section is generally removed from the sterile field intraoperatively because it - Answer is sent to pathology immediately A surgeon is preparing to close the abdomen. Which of the following closing supplies should the surgical technologist have ready for closing the fascial layer? - Answer 0 suture and toothed tissue forceps During a procedure, a hole is noticed in the surgical technologist's glove. What should the surgical technologist do NEXT? - Answer Change the glove using the open-gloving technique. Which of the following instruments should be included in a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) setup? - Answer Resectoscope Which of the following terms describes airway assessment by listening with a stethoscope? - Answer Auscultation Which of the following techniques promotes safety and protection of the surgical technologist during the intraoperative phase? - Answer Establishing a neutral zone Which of the following verifies that autoclave sterilization has occurred? - Answer Biological indicator Which of the following instruments is used in otorhinolaryngology surgery? - Answer Baron An organization that regulates the production of biological sterilization test packs in-house is - Answer AAMI For an open hemicolectomy, a surgical technologist is preparing a second mayo stand for the placement of dirty surgical instruments. Which of the following instruments is MOST likely to be placed on the second mayo stand? - Answer Allis forceps When loading items in a gravity-displaced steam sterilizer, heavy packs should be placed - Answer At the periphery of the load. A liver laceration is identified during an emergency exploratory laparotomy. A surgical technologist should prepare a suture attached to which of the following types of needles? - Answer Blunt Which of the following instruments is used to thread a vascular graft from one incision to another? - Answer Tunneler Which of the following combination of medications are commonly used during a MAC? - Answer Nerve conduction blockades with supplemental analgesics, sedatives, or amnesics Which of the following items must the surgical technologist have available after a thyroidectomy? - Answer Scalpel, hemostatic clamps, and tracheostomy tube. Which of the following is the name of the avascular strip of tissue at the midline which runs from the xiphoid process to the pubis? - Answer Linea alba A three-way Foley catheter is inserted following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in order to - Answer Irrigate and aid in hemostasis. A patient is in the supine position for a procedure. After the arms are placed on arm boards, padding is placed under the elbows to decrease pressure on which of the following nerves? - Answer Ulnar Which of the following supplies should be pulled by the surgical technologist for a thoracic procedure? - Answer Water-sealed drainage system The FIRST sign of malignant hyperthermia is - Answer Unexplained tachycardia. Prior to the closure of an arteriotomy, which of the following solutions should the surgical technologist have ready for irrigation of the operative site? - Answer Heparinized saline Herniation of the rectum through a weakened posterior vaginal wall is known as - Answer A rectocele If a surgeon requests Gelfoam soaked with thrombin, the method to maintain hemostasis is - Answer Chemical. Immediately before a hemorrhoidectomy, which of the following procedures might be performed on the patient in the OR? - Answer Proctoscopy During which of the following phases of infection do pathogens actively replicate, but the host shows no symptoms? - Answer Incubation Which of the following conditions should be treated FIRST? - Answer Obstructed airway During a partial nephrectomy, the surgeon asks for a large chromic suture and Gelfoam. The surgeon would like the Gelfoam to be cut into pledget squares and loaded onto the suture. The MAIN purpose for the use of the Gelfoam and suture is to - Answer Topically stop bleeding. Which of the following is a tonsillolith? - Answer A stone within the tonsil Which of the following should be the MINIMUM exposure time in an immediate use sterilizer for unwrapped instruments? - Answer 3 minutes The anesthesia care provider (ACP) is gathering supplies to initiate a Bier block for the surgical patient. Which of the following items does the surgical technologist give to the ACP to assist in displacing the blood? - Answer Esmarch bandage Which of the following hormones regulates urine concentration based on reabsorption? - Answer ADH A surgeon has just completed an incisional biopsy and would like to have an immediate diagnosis. The MOST appropriate NEXT step is to send the specimen to pathology in a - Answer Dry specimen container so that a frozen section can be completed. In the break room, a precepting surgical technologist is overheard discussing a student's lack of instrument knowledge. The precepting surgical technologist just committed - Answer Slander. Which of the following must be done before sterilizing an instrument with a lumen? - Answer Inject a small amount of distilled water into the lumen. Which of the following should occur after a Veress needle is inserted? - Answer Connect the insufflation tubing. Prions are unique from other infectious agents because they lack which of the following? - Answer DNA In metastatic cancer, which of the following systems allows for tumors to extend beyond the regional area? - Answer Lymphatic For which of the following procedures is Gelfoam MOST commonly used? - Answer Myringotomy Which of the following is the receiving nerve end of all transmission? - Answer Dendrite A surgical "time out" must be performed prior to - Answer Making the initial incision. The opening in the occipital bone which the spinal cord passes through is the foramen - Answer Magnum. When preparing cannulated instruments for steam sterilization, the instrument lumen should be - Answer Dry for dynamic air removal and wet for gravity displacement. When steam comes into an autoclave from an outside source, the steam is heated in the - Answer Jacket. Which of the following structures form major parts of the brain? - Answer Brain stem, cerebellum, diencephalon, cerebrum Which of the following wound classes is assigned to a surgery in which the bowel was accidentally perforated during the procedure? - Answer III A Javid shunt is used for which of the following procedures? - Answer Carotid endarterectomy During a laparoscopic appendectomy, which of the following types of staplers should the surgical technologist have ready on the back table for removing the appendix and ensuring no spillage of bowel content? - Answer Linear During a transurethral resection of the prostate, bleeding is controlled by - Answer Cauterization During the intraoperative phase, which of the following activities can be completed by both sterile and non-sterile members of the surgical team? - Answer Handling of the specimen When using an ultrasonic cleaner, which of the following should be done FIRST? - Answer Visible debris and biologic matter should be removed. Which of the following important considerations should be taken by the surgical technologist when it comes to the suture material for third intention closure? - Answer A low-capillary action suture will not retain moisture. Which of the following is the name of the biological indicator used for hydrogen peroxide gas plasma? - Answer Bacillus atrophaeus Which of the following is MOST likely to be used when applying a sterile dressing to a skin graft recipient site? - Answer Bolster Which of the following surgical instruments will a surgeon use in dissection of a breast tumor? - Answer Metzenbaum scissors A surgical incision that is sutured together so that the wound edges are in direct contact with one another is referred to as which of the following types of closure? - Answer Primary intention The anterior chamber of the eye is located between the cornea and the - Answer Iris. After completion of a procedure, the nurse notices that the arms were extended beyond 90 degrees. This may have caused injury to the - Answer Brachial plexus. Which of the following types of connective tissue fastens muscle to bone? - Answer Tendon What does the acronym TM stand for in otorhinolaryngology surgery? - Answer Tympanic membrane 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? - Answer Leg stirrups When using a laparoscopic set-up, potential hazards associated with the equipment include - Answer Fiberoptic beam fire. When performing a parotidectomy, which of the following nerves is identified and preserved with the use of a nerve stimulator? - Answer Facial A patient is undergoing a laser vocal cord nodule ablation. During the procedure, the anesthetist calls for all action to cease due to an airway fire that has suddenly occurred. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the fire? - Answer The laser-specific endotracheal tube was not used. During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon determines that the procedure will convert to an open case. Which of the following incisions is preferred for access? - Answer Subcostal Which of the following is a heavy, curved, tapered needle? - Answer Mayo During a procedure, a major piece of equipment malfunctions and causes a patient's death. Which of the following is this situation MOST likely to be classified as? - Answer Sentinel event Which of the following items should be disposed of in an appropriate sharps container? - Answer Drill pin Which of the following is used to cross-clamp the intestine during a bowel resection? - Answer Allen During a Nissen fundoplication, after the pneumoperitoneum is established and trocars are placed, which of the following is the NEXT step? - Answer The stomach is mobilized and divided from the omentum. Which of the following should be included on an orthopedic set-up? - Answer Key elevator A surgeon is performing a procedure to repair damage from a gunshot wound to the chest. Which of the following types of drains should the surgical technologist have available at the end of the procedure? - Answer Underwater A thyroidectomy that was done earlier in the day is being brought back for excessive bleeding from the incision. Which of the following items are needed for this case? - Answer Laps, silk ties, and hemoclips A plastic surgeon performs surgery PRIMARILY on which of the following anatomical systems? - Answer Integumentary An effective packaging material used for steam sterilization on a Balfour retractor - Answer Permits penetration by the sterilant. Which of the following wounds is MOST likely in the inflammatory phase of wound healing? - Answer An abdominal incision, 20 minutes post-closure Preparing instrument sets and packages for sterilization requires a label indicating the - Answer Sterilization date, sterilizer ID, load number, and preparer's initials. A surgeon repeatedly asks the surgical technologist to refill the 10 cc syringe with local anesthetic. If the surgical technologist refilled the syringe three times and there was 5 cc left in the syring, how much anesthetic was used? - Answer 35 At the conclusion of a surgical case, how should the surgical technologist aid in reducing bioburden on instruments as the FIRST step in the sterilization cycle? - Answer Hand cleaning To maintain ergonomic positioning while completing continuing education credits at a computer, the surgical technologist should - Answer Maintain wrists and hands in line with forearms. Which of the following instruments may be used to extend the arteriotomy during carotid endarterectomy? - Answer Potts Which of the following test monitors indicate if there is any residual air in the sterilization chamber? - Answer Bowie-Dick test While removing the drapes, the surgical technologist recognizes some bleeding through the dressing. Which of the following should be the surgical technologist's FIRST step? - Answer Apply pressure and notify the surgeon. Which of the following instruments is used to grasp the base of the hemorrhoid during a hemorrhoidectomy? - Answer Allis The surgical incision that allows for the BEST visualization for a Billroth I procedure is - Answer Midline. During an open repair of an indirect hernia, which of the following drains should a surgical technologist have available to pass the surgeon once the spermatic cord has been dissected? - Answer Penrose During ophthalmic procedures, the surgeon will use which of the following paralytic agents to dilate the pupil? - Answer Cycloplegics Which of the following is a benign fluid-filled sac that develops in the anterior testis? - Answer Hydrocele Which of the following is considered a contaminated area when evaluating a patient's skin for the preoperative prep? - Answer Draining sinus A Stamey needle is used for which of the following types of surgery? - Answer Bladder suspension Which of the following scissors is MOST likely found in a basic hysterectomy set-up? - Answer Jorgenson Which of the following supplies is part of the standard set-up for a diagnostic knee arthroscopy? - Answer Inflow tubing Which of the following is MOST commonly used for wound closure in the presence of infection? - Answer Stainless steel Which of the following is the MOST common palpable mass in women of reproductive age? - Answer Fibrocystic breast change Four people are needed to transfer a patient to the stretcher. Who gives direction for this move? - Answer Anesthesiologist 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? - Answer Senn After a surgical procedure, infectious waste is separated from all other waste and placed in - Answer Biohazard bags. Which of the following situations would present a problem when preparing instruments for sterilization using a paper-plastic peel pack? - Answer The instruments within the paper-plastic peel pack have been held together with tape to avoid shifting. During a dissection of the cystic duct and artery in an open cholecystectomy, which of the following instruments is necessary? - Answer Mixter clamp The MINIMUM number of surgical team members required to transfer an anesthetized patient from the OR table to the gurney is - Answer Four. A surgeon received a report from PACU that a patient is bleeding at the surgical site after a lumbar laminectomy procedure. Upon inspection, the surgeon deems it necessary to return the patient to the OR to correct the issue. Which of the following should the surgeon suspect to occur if the issue is not resolved immediately? - Answer Hematoma For a patient with suspected cancer, the MOST important preoperative plan involves the - Answer Specimens. Factors that contribute to SSI include - Answer Using aseptic technique. Which of the following is the MOST effective method for reprocessing endoscopes used during a colonoscopy? - Answer Glutaraldehyde When a cholecystectomy is performed, which of the following anatomical structures must be preserved? - Answer Common duct A stockinette is used in draping for - Answer An extremity procedure. In which of the following positions is a patient placed for a right nephrectomy? - Answer Left lateral kidney At the end of a posterior capsulectomy, a surgeon is having difficulty closing the sclerotomies. Which medication should the surgeon request? - Answer Prednisolone The vermiform appendix originates from the - Answer Cecum. When opening for a procedure, a surgical technologist notices the tray wrapper is wet. Which of the following should the surgical technologist do FIRST? - Answer Call the sterile supply department for a new tray. Which of the following positions is used for a total hip arthroplasty? - Answer Lateral Which of the following is the name of the incision made in a simple open nephrectomy? - Answer Subcostal flank After receiving a stapler on the sterile field, the surgical technologist determines that the device is not working properly. Which of the following should the surgical technologist do FIRST? - Answer Ask the circulator for another stapler. Which of the following devices should the surgical technologist have delivered to the sterile field for a low anterior resection? - Answer Intraluminal stapler During surgery, the surgeon intermittently uses a local anesthetic intraoperatively. The surgical technologist should - Answer Keep track of the amounts. During a laser laryngoscopy, which of the following supplies must be available? - Answer Wet sponges and towels A large power saw is not functioning. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause? - Answer The battery has not been adequately charged. The FIRST step in instrument cleaning and decontamination begins at the - Answer Sterile field. A proper informed consent should include the - Answer Surgeon's name. Which of the following is a preferred retractor for a groin incision? - Answer Weitlaner Which of the following rongeurs is used to expand the antrostomy in a Caldwell-Luc procedure? - Answer Kerrison When holding a suction wand 1 cm from the surgical site, what is the approximate percentage of surgical plume is effectively evacuated? - Answer 98% Which of the following examples illustrates unsafe technique for disposing of contaminated sharps? - Answer Used suture needles and scalpel blades are removed from the needle counter and individually placed in the biohazard sharps container. When preparing endoscopic cameras for ethylene oxide sterilization which of the following monitoring processes is utilized to ensure all parameters of sterilization are met? - Answer Chemical strip When infection is present, the MOST commonly used suture is - Answer monofilament. A patient having recently undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been transferred to the PACU. The patient becomes tachycardic and the nurse reports a rise in core body temperature. The nurse attempts to communicate with the patient and notices that the patient's muscles are very rigid. The nurse notifies the surgical team. The surgical technologist should recognize these as signs of - Answer Malignant hyperthermia. When preparing surgical specimens, in addition to the surgical technologist, who else is responsible for accurately labeling the specimen? - Answer Surgeon and circulating nurse When exposed to ionizing radiation, staff and patients should wear personal protective equipment containing - Answer Lead. Which of the following should a surgical technologist do to update a surgeon's preference card? - Answer Consult with the surgeon to determine which supplies should be included.