NBSTSA · CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST (CST)
CST Exam 2026/2027 Test Bank With Questions And Correct Verified Answers
| NBSTSA CST Exam 2026/2027 | CST – Certified Surgical Technologist
Certification Exam Prep Test Bank 2026/2027 (Brand New!)
A+
Original practice examination aligned to the public NBSTSA CST Examination Content Outline. All questions, options, and rationales
are newly authored for 2026/2027 preparation.
A+ QUESTIONS 5 SECTIONS 100%
VERIFIED COVERED RATIONALES
CATEGORIES
■ 1. Preoperative Preparation & Patient Safety
■ 2. Intraoperative Procedures: Sterile Technique, Counts & Instrumentation
■ 3. Intraoperative: Hemostasis, Specimens, Suturing & Positioning
■ 4. Sterilization, Equipment Maintenance & Ancillary Duties
■ 5. Basic Science: Anatomy, Microbiology & Surgical Pharmacology
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
Passing Score: 80% · Marks: 1 per question · Total: 50 marks
, Section 1 – Preoperative Preparation & Patient Safety
Q1. A surgical technologist is preparing the operating room for an upcoming case. The surgeon’s preference card lists a specific
type of retractor that is not on the standard set. What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Proceed without the retractor and hope it is not needed.
B. Wait until the incision is made to request the instrument.
C. Verify availability of the requested instrument, reserve or obtain it, and ensure it is sterile and ready before the patient arrives.
D. Substitute any available retractor without informing the team.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reviewing the preference card and confirming that all listed equipment and instruments are available and sterile is a core
preoperative responsibility that prevents delays and breaks in sterility.
Q2. During the preoperative phase, the surgical team is preparing to perform the Universal Protocol. Which activity is an essential
component of the Time Out?
A. Checking the autoclave printout from the previous day
B. A final verification of correct patient, correct site, and correct procedure performed immediately before the incision
C. Counting sponges after the incision is closed
D. Signing the consent form after the patient is anesthetized
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Time Out is a standardized pause immediately before incision to confirm patient identity, procedure, and site, reducing
wrong-site and wrong-patient errors.
Q3. A surgical technologist is performing the surgical hand scrub. After the timed scrub, the technologist is about to enter the OR.
Which action maintains asepsis?
A. Allowing the hands to touch the scrub-sink faucet while rinsing
B. Lowering the hands below waist level before gowning
C. Keeping the hands higher than the elbows so water runs from fingertips toward the elbows, then drying with a sterile towel using
proper technique
D. Drying the hands on a non-sterile OR towel
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proper scrub technique keeps contaminated water flowing away from the cleanest area (fingertips) and uses a sterile towel to dry
without recontamination.
Q4. A patient is scheduled for a left inguinal hernia repair. The surgical technologist notices that the consent form lists “right
inguinal hernia.” What is the correct action?
A. Ignore the consent and rely only on the schedule.
B. Immediately notify the circulating nurse and surgeon so the discrepancy can be resolved and the consent corrected before the
patient is anesthetized.
C. Cross out “right” and write “left” on the consent without further discussion.
D. Proceed because the preference card says left side.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Consent and site verification discrepancies must be resolved before anesthesia and incision; the surgical technologist shares
responsibility for patient safety.
Q5. While assisting with patient positioning for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgical technologist helps place the patient
in reverse Trendelenburg. What is the primary reason for this position in this procedure?
A. To increase blood flow to the lower extremities
B. To allow the abdominal organs to shift inferiorly and improve visualization of the upper abdomen and gallbladder
C. To facilitate drainage of the thoracic cavity
D. To reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reverse Trendelenburg uses gravity to displace abdominal contents downward, improving exposure of the gallbladder and upper
abdominal structures.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM | Page 2 of 12
CST Exam 2026/2027 Test Bank With Questions And Correct Verified Answers
| NBSTSA CST Exam 2026/2027 | CST – Certified Surgical Technologist
Certification Exam Prep Test Bank 2026/2027 (Brand New!)
A+
Original practice examination aligned to the public NBSTSA CST Examination Content Outline. All questions, options, and rationales
are newly authored for 2026/2027 preparation.
A+ QUESTIONS 5 SECTIONS 100%
VERIFIED COVERED RATIONALES
CATEGORIES
■ 1. Preoperative Preparation & Patient Safety
■ 2. Intraoperative Procedures: Sterile Technique, Counts & Instrumentation
■ 3. Intraoperative: Hemostasis, Specimens, Suturing & Positioning
■ 4. Sterilization, Equipment Maintenance & Ancillary Duties
■ 5. Basic Science: Anatomy, Microbiology & Surgical Pharmacology
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
Passing Score: 80% · Marks: 1 per question · Total: 50 marks
, Section 1 – Preoperative Preparation & Patient Safety
Q1. A surgical technologist is preparing the operating room for an upcoming case. The surgeon’s preference card lists a specific
type of retractor that is not on the standard set. What is the most appropriate next step?
A. Proceed without the retractor and hope it is not needed.
B. Wait until the incision is made to request the instrument.
C. Verify availability of the requested instrument, reserve or obtain it, and ensure it is sterile and ready before the patient arrives.
D. Substitute any available retractor without informing the team.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reviewing the preference card and confirming that all listed equipment and instruments are available and sterile is a core
preoperative responsibility that prevents delays and breaks in sterility.
Q2. During the preoperative phase, the surgical team is preparing to perform the Universal Protocol. Which activity is an essential
component of the Time Out?
A. Checking the autoclave printout from the previous day
B. A final verification of correct patient, correct site, and correct procedure performed immediately before the incision
C. Counting sponges after the incision is closed
D. Signing the consent form after the patient is anesthetized
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Time Out is a standardized pause immediately before incision to confirm patient identity, procedure, and site, reducing
wrong-site and wrong-patient errors.
Q3. A surgical technologist is performing the surgical hand scrub. After the timed scrub, the technologist is about to enter the OR.
Which action maintains asepsis?
A. Allowing the hands to touch the scrub-sink faucet while rinsing
B. Lowering the hands below waist level before gowning
C. Keeping the hands higher than the elbows so water runs from fingertips toward the elbows, then drying with a sterile towel using
proper technique
D. Drying the hands on a non-sterile OR towel
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Proper scrub technique keeps contaminated water flowing away from the cleanest area (fingertips) and uses a sterile towel to dry
without recontamination.
Q4. A patient is scheduled for a left inguinal hernia repair. The surgical technologist notices that the consent form lists “right
inguinal hernia.” What is the correct action?
A. Ignore the consent and rely only on the schedule.
B. Immediately notify the circulating nurse and surgeon so the discrepancy can be resolved and the consent corrected before the
patient is anesthetized.
C. Cross out “right” and write “left” on the consent without further discussion.
D. Proceed because the preference card says left side.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Consent and site verification discrepancies must be resolved before anesthesia and incision; the surgical technologist shares
responsibility for patient safety.
Q5. While assisting with patient positioning for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgical technologist helps place the patient
in reverse Trendelenburg. What is the primary reason for this position in this procedure?
A. To increase blood flow to the lower extremities
B. To allow the abdominal organs to shift inferiorly and improve visualization of the upper abdomen and gallbladder
C. To facilitate drainage of the thoracic cavity
D. To reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reverse Trendelenburg uses gravity to displace abdominal contents downward, improving exposure of the gallbladder and upper
abdominal structures.
STUVIAACTUALEXAM | Page 2 of 12
