Surgical Technology Exam Questions
2026/2027: 110 Practice Questions with
Answers for NBSTSA Certification,
Anatomy, Instruments, and Sterile
Technique
Description:
Master the NBSTSA surgical technology certification with 110 updated exam questions
covering anatomy, instruments, sterile technique, robotic surgery, and pharmacology.
Includes detailed answers and explanations for 2026/2027 success.
Download the 2026/2027 Surgical Technology Exam Guide Now – Master Every Topic and Pass
Your Certification with Confidence!
, Surgical Technology Exam 2026/2027 – 110 Questions with
Answers
SECTION A: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Question 1
Which of the following anatomical structures represents the opening in the occipital bone
through which the spinal cord traverses?
A. Foramen ovale
B. Foramen magnum
C. Foramen rotundum
D. Foramen of Bochdalek
Answer: B. Foramen magnum
Explanation: The foramen magnum is the large oval-shaped opening located in the base of
the occipital bone that serves as the passageway for the spinal cord to connect with the
brainstem at the level of the medulla oblongata. The foramen ovale and foramen rotundum
are located in the sphenoid bone and transmit cranial nerves, while the foramen of Bochdalek
represents a congenital diaphragmatic defect.
Question 2
Which of the following structures is separated first when a paramedian incision is performed?
A. Peritoneum
B. Transversus abdominis
C. External oblique
D. Rectus abdominis
Answer: D. Rectus abdominis
Explanation: A paramedian incision is made approximately 2-3 cm lateral to the midline
directly over the rectus abdominis muscle, and after skin and subcutaneous tissue are incised,
the anterior rectus sheath is divided and the rectus abdominis muscle is identified and
retracted medially. This approach preserves the innervation and vascular supply to the rectus
muscle while providing excellent access to abdominal structures and is particularly useful in
procedures requiring extended exposure such as aortic aneurysm repair.
,Question 3
Which of the following lies between the lung and the chest wall?
A. Mediastinum
B. Peritoneum
C. Pleura
D. Pericardium
Answer: C. Pleura
Explanation: The pleura is a serous membrane consisting of two layers: the visceral pleura
which directly covers the lung tissue and the parietal pleura which lines the chest wall,
diaphragm, and mediastinum, with the pleural space between these layers containing
lubricating fluid that facilitates smooth respiratory movements. The mediastinum contains the
heart, great vessels, and other thoracic structures between the lungs, the pericardium
surrounds the heart, and the peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity.
Question 4
Which of the following layers are transected when a subcostal flank incision is used for a
nephrectomy?
A. Pre-peritoneal fat
B. Linea alba
C. Oblique muscles
D. Rectus abdominis muscle
Answer: C. Oblique muscles
Explanation: The subcostal flank approach provides access to the retroperitoneal kidney, and
the incision begins below the twelfth rib and extends obliquely toward the midline while
sequentially traversing the external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis
muscles. The rectus abdominis and linea alba remain undisturbed, making this approach ideal
for nephrectomy procedures and allowing excellent exposure while preserving abdominal
wall integrity and reducing postoperative pain.
Question 5
Why is the right kidney typically positioned several centimeters lower than the left kidney?
A. The liver rests superior and anterior to the right kidney
B. The liver rests superior and posterior to the right kidney
, C. The liver rests inferior and anterior to the right kidney
D. The liver rests inferior and posterior to the right kidney
Answer: A. The liver rests superior and anterior to the right kidney
Explanation: The right kidney is situated approximately 1-2 cm lower than the left kidney
due to the significant volume of the right lobe of the liver, which creates superior and anterior
displacement pressure on the right kidney. The left kidney is positioned slightly higher
because it is related superiorly to the spleen and stomach, organs that exert less downward
pressure, and this anatomical variation is important for surgical planning, positioning, and
access during renal procedures.
Question 6
If the VII cranial nerve is severed, which of the following is the result?
A. Loss of hearing
B. Loss of vision
C. Facial paralysis
D. Impairment of eye muscles
Answer: C. Facial paralysis
Explanation: The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) provides motor innervation to the muscles
of facial expression, and when severed, the affected side of the face becomes paralyzed
resulting in drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth, inability to close the eye, and
absence of forehead wrinkling. The vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) controls
hearing, the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) controls vision, the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve
III) controls most eye movements, and preservation of the facial nerve is critical in
parotidectomy and other head and neck surgeries.
Question 7
The parathyroid gland regulates which of the following?
A. Insulin
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Aldosterone
Answer: B. Calcium
2026/2027: 110 Practice Questions with
Answers for NBSTSA Certification,
Anatomy, Instruments, and Sterile
Technique
Description:
Master the NBSTSA surgical technology certification with 110 updated exam questions
covering anatomy, instruments, sterile technique, robotic surgery, and pharmacology.
Includes detailed answers and explanations for 2026/2027 success.
Download the 2026/2027 Surgical Technology Exam Guide Now – Master Every Topic and Pass
Your Certification with Confidence!
, Surgical Technology Exam 2026/2027 – 110 Questions with
Answers
SECTION A: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
Question 1
Which of the following anatomical structures represents the opening in the occipital bone
through which the spinal cord traverses?
A. Foramen ovale
B. Foramen magnum
C. Foramen rotundum
D. Foramen of Bochdalek
Answer: B. Foramen magnum
Explanation: The foramen magnum is the large oval-shaped opening located in the base of
the occipital bone that serves as the passageway for the spinal cord to connect with the
brainstem at the level of the medulla oblongata. The foramen ovale and foramen rotundum
are located in the sphenoid bone and transmit cranial nerves, while the foramen of Bochdalek
represents a congenital diaphragmatic defect.
Question 2
Which of the following structures is separated first when a paramedian incision is performed?
A. Peritoneum
B. Transversus abdominis
C. External oblique
D. Rectus abdominis
Answer: D. Rectus abdominis
Explanation: A paramedian incision is made approximately 2-3 cm lateral to the midline
directly over the rectus abdominis muscle, and after skin and subcutaneous tissue are incised,
the anterior rectus sheath is divided and the rectus abdominis muscle is identified and
retracted medially. This approach preserves the innervation and vascular supply to the rectus
muscle while providing excellent access to abdominal structures and is particularly useful in
procedures requiring extended exposure such as aortic aneurysm repair.
,Question 3
Which of the following lies between the lung and the chest wall?
A. Mediastinum
B. Peritoneum
C. Pleura
D. Pericardium
Answer: C. Pleura
Explanation: The pleura is a serous membrane consisting of two layers: the visceral pleura
which directly covers the lung tissue and the parietal pleura which lines the chest wall,
diaphragm, and mediastinum, with the pleural space between these layers containing
lubricating fluid that facilitates smooth respiratory movements. The mediastinum contains the
heart, great vessels, and other thoracic structures between the lungs, the pericardium
surrounds the heart, and the peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity.
Question 4
Which of the following layers are transected when a subcostal flank incision is used for a
nephrectomy?
A. Pre-peritoneal fat
B. Linea alba
C. Oblique muscles
D. Rectus abdominis muscle
Answer: C. Oblique muscles
Explanation: The subcostal flank approach provides access to the retroperitoneal kidney, and
the incision begins below the twelfth rib and extends obliquely toward the midline while
sequentially traversing the external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis
muscles. The rectus abdominis and linea alba remain undisturbed, making this approach ideal
for nephrectomy procedures and allowing excellent exposure while preserving abdominal
wall integrity and reducing postoperative pain.
Question 5
Why is the right kidney typically positioned several centimeters lower than the left kidney?
A. The liver rests superior and anterior to the right kidney
B. The liver rests superior and posterior to the right kidney
, C. The liver rests inferior and anterior to the right kidney
D. The liver rests inferior and posterior to the right kidney
Answer: A. The liver rests superior and anterior to the right kidney
Explanation: The right kidney is situated approximately 1-2 cm lower than the left kidney
due to the significant volume of the right lobe of the liver, which creates superior and anterior
displacement pressure on the right kidney. The left kidney is positioned slightly higher
because it is related superiorly to the spleen and stomach, organs that exert less downward
pressure, and this anatomical variation is important for surgical planning, positioning, and
access during renal procedures.
Question 6
If the VII cranial nerve is severed, which of the following is the result?
A. Loss of hearing
B. Loss of vision
C. Facial paralysis
D. Impairment of eye muscles
Answer: C. Facial paralysis
Explanation: The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) provides motor innervation to the muscles
of facial expression, and when severed, the affected side of the face becomes paralyzed
resulting in drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth, inability to close the eye, and
absence of forehead wrinkling. The vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) controls
hearing, the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) controls vision, the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve
III) controls most eye movements, and preservation of the facial nerve is critical in
parotidectomy and other head and neck surgeries.
Question 7
The parathyroid gland regulates which of the following?
A. Insulin
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Aldosterone
Answer: B. Calcium
