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NBSTSA CERTIFICATION ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES
When using EtO sterilization, the recommended aeration time for an aerator set at 140
degrees F is: A. 8 hours
B. 10 hours
C. 12 hours
D. 24 hours -- ANSWER--A. 8 hours
Where should the biological indicator test be placed on the steam sterilizer cart?
A. Middle second shelf
B. Bottom front
C. Top front
D. Top back -- ANSWER--B. Bottom front
When a patient's blood pressure is 135/81, 135 refers to:
A. Diastolic
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B. Systolic
C. Pedal pulse
D. Apical pressure -- ANSWER--B. Systolic
•Blood pressure is measured in two numbers, systolic over diastolic. The relaxation
phase of the heart beat is called the diastolic blood pressure.
A term referring to a waxy secretion in the external ear canal is:
A. Mucous
B. Sputum
C. Cerumen
D. Perilymph -- ANSWER--C. Cerumen
•Cerumen is another term for earwax.
Which of the following is an ossicle of the middle ear?
A. Pinna
B. Incus
C. Labyrinth
D. Vestibule -- ANSWER--B. Incus
•The auditory ossicles of the middle ear are the malleus, incus and stapes.
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What is the term for the process of removing blood from an extremity prior to inflating
the pneumatic tourniquet?
A. Exsanguination
B. Extravasation
C. Evisceration
D. Evacuation -- ANSWER--A. Exsanguination
•Exsanguination is the term for the process of removing blood from an extremity.
Which of the following may require probing and dilating in pediatric patients with
upper respiratory infections? A. Sinus cavities
B. Eustachian tube
C. Nasolacrimal duct
D. Tympanic membrane -- ANSWER--C. Nasolacrimal duct
•The nasolacrimal duct carries the lacrimal fluid and tears into the nasal cavity. The duct
can become obstructed in pediatric patients who experience chronic URI's.
Which of the following vessels empties into the right atrium?
A. Pulmonary vein
B. Aortic arch
C. Superior vena cava
D. Pulmonary artery -- ANSWER--C. Superior vena cava
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Knife blades should be loaded onto the handle with:
A. Needle holder
B. Allis clamp
C. DeBakey forceps
D. Sterile gloved hands -- ANSWER--A. Needle holder
Which of the following vitamins is essential for the clotting process?
A. D
B. B
C. K
D. A -- ANSWER--C. K
From where do most intracranial aneurysms arise?
A. Ventricular system
B. Cavernous sinus
C. Internal carotid
D. Circle of Willis -- ANSWER--D. Circle of Willis
Which of the following veins would be harvested during a CABG?
NBSTSA CERTIFICATION ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES
When using EtO sterilization, the recommended aeration time for an aerator set at 140
degrees F is: A. 8 hours
B. 10 hours
C. 12 hours
D. 24 hours -- ANSWER--A. 8 hours
Where should the biological indicator test be placed on the steam sterilizer cart?
A. Middle second shelf
B. Bottom front
C. Top front
D. Top back -- ANSWER--B. Bottom front
When a patient's blood pressure is 135/81, 135 refers to:
A. Diastolic
, Page 2 of 310
B. Systolic
C. Pedal pulse
D. Apical pressure -- ANSWER--B. Systolic
•Blood pressure is measured in two numbers, systolic over diastolic. The relaxation
phase of the heart beat is called the diastolic blood pressure.
A term referring to a waxy secretion in the external ear canal is:
A. Mucous
B. Sputum
C. Cerumen
D. Perilymph -- ANSWER--C. Cerumen
•Cerumen is another term for earwax.
Which of the following is an ossicle of the middle ear?
A. Pinna
B. Incus
C. Labyrinth
D. Vestibule -- ANSWER--B. Incus
•The auditory ossicles of the middle ear are the malleus, incus and stapes.
, Page 3 of 310
What is the term for the process of removing blood from an extremity prior to inflating
the pneumatic tourniquet?
A. Exsanguination
B. Extravasation
C. Evisceration
D. Evacuation -- ANSWER--A. Exsanguination
•Exsanguination is the term for the process of removing blood from an extremity.
Which of the following may require probing and dilating in pediatric patients with
upper respiratory infections? A. Sinus cavities
B. Eustachian tube
C. Nasolacrimal duct
D. Tympanic membrane -- ANSWER--C. Nasolacrimal duct
•The nasolacrimal duct carries the lacrimal fluid and tears into the nasal cavity. The duct
can become obstructed in pediatric patients who experience chronic URI's.
Which of the following vessels empties into the right atrium?
A. Pulmonary vein
B. Aortic arch
C. Superior vena cava
D. Pulmonary artery -- ANSWER--C. Superior vena cava
, Page 4 of 310
Knife blades should be loaded onto the handle with:
A. Needle holder
B. Allis clamp
C. DeBakey forceps
D. Sterile gloved hands -- ANSWER--A. Needle holder
Which of the following vitamins is essential for the clotting process?
A. D
B. B
C. K
D. A -- ANSWER--C. K
From where do most intracranial aneurysms arise?
A. Ventricular system
B. Cavernous sinus
C. Internal carotid
D. Circle of Willis -- ANSWER--D. Circle of Willis
Which of the following veins would be harvested during a CABG?
