Exam Prep material
Chapter 1: Orientation to Surgical Technology
Multiple-Choice Questions (100 Questions)
Question 1: What is the primary role of the surgical technologist?
A) To perform surgery independently
B) To assist the surgeon and maintain the sterile field during surgical procedures
C) To manage hospital administration
D) To prescribe medications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The surgical technologist assists the surgeon and maintains the sterile field during surgical
procedures.
Question 2: Who is considered the "sterile technologist" during surgery?
A) The circulating nurse
B) The surgical technologist who scrubs in and passes instruments
C) The anesthesiologist
D) The surgeon
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The surgical technologist who scrubs in and passes instruments is considered the sterile
technologist.
Question 3: What is the role of the circulating nurse during surgery?
A) To scrub in and pass instruments
B) To remain outside the sterile field and document care
C) To administer anesthesia
D) To perform the surgery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The circulating nurse remains outside the sterile field and documents care.
Question 4: Which organization certifies surgical technologists?
A) The Joint Commission
B) The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
C) The American Medical Association
D) The FDA
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The NBSTSA certifies surgical technologists through the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
exam.
Question 5: What does the abbreviation CST stand for?
A) Certified Surgical Technologist
B) Clinical Surgical Technician
,C) Certified Sterile Technician
D) Central Surgical Team
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CST stands for Certified Surgical Technologist.
Question 6: What is the primary function of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)?
A) To regulate hospital policies
B) To provide professional standards and continuing education for surgical technologists
C) To hire surgical technologists
D) To perform surgical procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The AST provides professional standards and continuing education for surgical technologists.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the surgical technologist?
A) Preparing and maintaining the sterile field
B) Passing instruments to the surgeon
C) Prescribing postoperative medications
D) Counting instruments and sponges
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Prescribing medications is outside the scope of practice for surgical technologists.
Question 8: What is the role of the surgical first assistant?
A) To pass instruments to the surgeon
B) To assist the surgeon with retracting tissue, suturing, and providing hemostasis
C) To administer anesthesia
D) To manage the front desk
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The surgical first assistant assists the surgeon with retracting tissue, suturing, and providing
hemostasis.
Question 9: What is the primary goal of the surgical team?
A) To complete surgery as quickly as possible
B) To ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes
C) To reduce hospital costs
D) To minimize staff involvement
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of the surgical team is to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical
outcomes.
Question 10: What is the role of the anesthesiologist or anesthetist?
A) To pass instruments to the surgeon
B) To administer anesthesia and monitor the patient's vital signs
C) To maintain the sterile field
D) To document the surgery
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The anesthesiologist or anesthetist administers anesthesia and monitors the patient's vital
signs.
Question 11: What is the purpose of the surgical technologist's preoperative duties?
A) To prepare the operating room and sterile supplies
B) To perform the surgery
C) To prescribe medications
D) To manage the patient's family
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The surgical technologist's preoperative duties include preparing the operating room and
sterile supplies.
Question 12: What is the purpose of the surgical technologist's intraoperative duties?
A) To maintain the sterile field and pass instruments
B) To perform the surgery
C) To prescribe medications
D) To manage the patient's family
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The surgical technologist's intraoperative duties include maintaining the sterile field and
passing instruments.
Question 13: What is the purpose of the surgical technologist's postoperative duties?
A) To assist with room turnover and instrument processing
B) To perform the surgery
C) To prescribe medications
D) To manage the patient's family
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The surgical technologist's postoperative duties include assisting with room turnover and
instrument processing.
Question 14: What is the role of the surgical technologist in patient safety?
A) To ensure the correct patient, procedure, and site
B) To perform the surgery
C) To prescribe medications
D) To manage the patient's family
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The surgical technologist ensures the correct patient, procedure, and site as part of patient
safety.
Question 15: What is the purpose of the surgical time-out?
A) To verify the correct patient, procedure, and site before surgery
B) To perform the surgery