1
NBSTSA CST Exam and Practice Exam Latest
Version A | Certified Surgical Technologist Exam
Prep 100% Pass Guaranteed | Graded A+ |
Updated for 2026/2027
1. To revascularize the heart muscle, a graft may be anastomosed between which of the
following vessels?
A. Aorta and coronary artery
B. Aorta and superior vena cava
C. Carotid artery and pulmonary vein
D. Pulmonary artery and coronary artery
☑ Correct Answer: A
☑ Explanation: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) involves anastomosing a graft
vessel between the aorta and a coronary artery distal to the blockage, bypassing the occluded
segment to restore blood flow to the myocardium. The superior vena cava (B) is a venous
structure, and the carotid artery (C) and pulmonary artery (D) are not used for coronary
revascularization.
,2
2. When performing a urinary bladder catheterization, it is ESSENTIAL that the circulator:
A. Shave the pubis
B. Keep the catheter tip sterile
C. Inflate the balloon in the urethra
D. Use the largest catheter available
☑ Correct Answer: B
☑ Explanation: Maintaining sterility of the catheter tip is essential to prevent introducing
pathogens into the urinary bladder and causing a urinary tract infection. Shaving the pubis (A) is
not routinely required. Inflating the balloon in the urethra (C) would cause trauma; it must be
inflated in the bladder. Using the largest catheter (D) is not indicated; the smallest appropriate
size should be used.
3. Traction sutures are used on common duct explorations to:
A. Ligate the duct
B. Close the duct
,3
C. Hold the duct open
D. Keep the stones in
☑ Correct Answer: C
☑ Explanation: Traction sutures are placed on the common bile duct during exploration to
hold the duct open, providing better visualization and access for stone retrieval. They do not
ligate (A) or close (B) the duct, nor do they keep stones in (D).
4. In which of the following prostatic approaches is a resectoscope used?
A. Perineal
B. Suprapubic
C. Retropubic
D. Transurethral
☑ Correct Answer: D
☑ Explanation: A resectoscope is a specialized endoscope used in transurethral resection
of the prostate (TURP). The resectoscope is passed through the urethra to access and remove
, 4
prostatic tissue. Perineal (A), suprapubic (B), and retropubic (C) approaches are open surgical
approaches that do not utilize a resectoscope.
5. Heaney clamps are used MOST frequently on a:
A. Hysterectomy
B. Lobectomy
C. Cystectomy
D. Gastrectomy
☑ Correct Answer: A
☑ Explanation: Heaney clamps are curved, heavy clamps specifically designed for
clamping the uterine vessels and broad ligament during hysterectomy procedures. They are not
typically used in lobectomy (B), cystectomy (C), or gastrectomy (D) procedures.
6. Which of the following is the correct sequence for donning sterile gown and gloves using
the closed-glove technique?
NBSTSA CST Exam and Practice Exam Latest
Version A | Certified Surgical Technologist Exam
Prep 100% Pass Guaranteed | Graded A+ |
Updated for 2026/2027
1. To revascularize the heart muscle, a graft may be anastomosed between which of the
following vessels?
A. Aorta and coronary artery
B. Aorta and superior vena cava
C. Carotid artery and pulmonary vein
D. Pulmonary artery and coronary artery
☑ Correct Answer: A
☑ Explanation: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) involves anastomosing a graft
vessel between the aorta and a coronary artery distal to the blockage, bypassing the occluded
segment to restore blood flow to the myocardium. The superior vena cava (B) is a venous
structure, and the carotid artery (C) and pulmonary artery (D) are not used for coronary
revascularization.
,2
2. When performing a urinary bladder catheterization, it is ESSENTIAL that the circulator:
A. Shave the pubis
B. Keep the catheter tip sterile
C. Inflate the balloon in the urethra
D. Use the largest catheter available
☑ Correct Answer: B
☑ Explanation: Maintaining sterility of the catheter tip is essential to prevent introducing
pathogens into the urinary bladder and causing a urinary tract infection. Shaving the pubis (A) is
not routinely required. Inflating the balloon in the urethra (C) would cause trauma; it must be
inflated in the bladder. Using the largest catheter (D) is not indicated; the smallest appropriate
size should be used.
3. Traction sutures are used on common duct explorations to:
A. Ligate the duct
B. Close the duct
,3
C. Hold the duct open
D. Keep the stones in
☑ Correct Answer: C
☑ Explanation: Traction sutures are placed on the common bile duct during exploration to
hold the duct open, providing better visualization and access for stone retrieval. They do not
ligate (A) or close (B) the duct, nor do they keep stones in (D).
4. In which of the following prostatic approaches is a resectoscope used?
A. Perineal
B. Suprapubic
C. Retropubic
D. Transurethral
☑ Correct Answer: D
☑ Explanation: A resectoscope is a specialized endoscope used in transurethral resection
of the prostate (TURP). The resectoscope is passed through the urethra to access and remove
, 4
prostatic tissue. Perineal (A), suprapubic (B), and retropubic (C) approaches are open surgical
approaches that do not utilize a resectoscope.
5. Heaney clamps are used MOST frequently on a:
A. Hysterectomy
B. Lobectomy
C. Cystectomy
D. Gastrectomy
☑ Correct Answer: A
☑ Explanation: Heaney clamps are curved, heavy clamps specifically designed for
clamping the uterine vessels and broad ligament during hysterectomy procedures. They are not
typically used in lobectomy (B), cystectomy (C), or gastrectomy (D) procedures.
6. Which of the following is the correct sequence for donning sterile gown and gloves using
the closed-glove technique?
