NBSTSA PSI CST EXAM REVIEW
ACTUAL 2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND
100% CORRECT ANSWERS
Core Domains
• Perioperative Care: Preoperative Preparation
• Perioperative Care: Intraoperative Procedures
• Perioperative Care: Postoperative Procedures
• Ancillary Duties: Administrative and Personnel
• Ancillary Duties: Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance
• Basic Science: Anatomy and Physiology
• Basic Science: Microbiology
• Basic Science: Surgical Pharmacology
Introduction
The NBSTSA PSI CST Examination is the national certification assessment for
surgical technologists, administered through PSI Services testing platforms.
This comprehensive practice examination mirrors the actual exam's content,
difficulty, and clinical application. The test bank covers perioperative care,
ancillary duties, and basic science domains, with questions that require applied
decision-making, critical thinking, and knowledge of aseptic technique,
instrumentation, anatomy, and patient safety. Each question is accompanied
by a verified correct answer and a detailed rationale. Successful completion of
the CST examination demonstrates that the surgical technologist has acquired
the theoretical and practical knowledge required to deliver safe, competent
surgical patient care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,Question 1
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the appendix is perforated, and
contents begin spilling into the abdomen. Which of the following should the
surgical technologist anticipate as the NEXT step?
A. Suction the fluid from the abdomen
B. Continue removing the appendix as planned
C. Place a Kelly clamp over the perforation
D. Close the wound and terminate the procedure
A. Suction the fluid from the abdomen
RATIONALE: When the appendix is perforated during a laparoscopic
appendectomy, the immediate priority is to suction the spilled contents to
prevent contamination and maintain visualization. This is the standard first
step to manage the spill and reduce the risk of peritonitis.
Question 2
When a break in aseptic technique occurs, the surgical technologist should
FIRST notify the:
A. Circulating nurse
B. Contaminating team member
C. OR supervisor
D. Anesthesia provider
B. Contaminating team member
RATIONALE: The surgical technologist should first notify the team
member who caused the break in aseptic technique so that corrective action
can be taken immediately to prevent further contamination of the sterile
field.
Question 3
Which of the following pathological conditions may be caused by an excessive
production of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?
,A. Hydrocephalus
B. Encephalocele
C. Cranial bifida
D. Craniosynostosis
A. Hydrocephalus
RATIONALE: Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF) in the brain, often caused by excessive production or impaired
absorption of CSF.
Question 4
If unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure, a
surgical technologist should request additional:
A. Lap sponges
B. Raytec sponges
C. Kitners
D. Cottonoids
A. Lap sponges
RATIONALE: Lap sponges are large, highly absorbent sponges used to
absorb significant amounts of blood and fluid during abdominal procedures.
They are the appropriate choice for managing heavy blood loss.
Question 5
Growth in the length of a long bone occurs at the:
A. Diaphysis
B. Medullary canal
C. Epiphyseal plate
D. Articular cartilage
C. Epiphyseal plate
, RATIONALE: The epiphyseal plate (growth plate) is the area of growing
tissue near the ends of long bones where new bone is produced, allowing for
longitudinal bone growth.
Question 6
How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively?
A. Three, two
B. Two, three
C. Three, three
D. Two, two
A. Three, two
RATIONALE: The right lung has three lobes (upper, middle, and lower),
while the left lung has two lobes (upper and lower) to accommodate the
heart.
Question 7
When performing a dilation and curettage, which of the following
instruments is used to grasp the cervix?
A. Sims
B. Auvard
C. Schroeder
D. Bozeman
C. Schroeder
RATIONALE: The Schroeder tenaculum is a single-toothed instrument
used to grasp and stabilize the cervix during gynecological procedures such as
dilation and curettage.
Question 8
A carotid endarterectomy has just been finished and the dressing is on. The
surgical technologist begins removing all sharps and non-disposables from
ACTUAL 2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND
100% CORRECT ANSWERS
Core Domains
• Perioperative Care: Preoperative Preparation
• Perioperative Care: Intraoperative Procedures
• Perioperative Care: Postoperative Procedures
• Ancillary Duties: Administrative and Personnel
• Ancillary Duties: Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance
• Basic Science: Anatomy and Physiology
• Basic Science: Microbiology
• Basic Science: Surgical Pharmacology
Introduction
The NBSTSA PSI CST Examination is the national certification assessment for
surgical technologists, administered through PSI Services testing platforms.
This comprehensive practice examination mirrors the actual exam's content,
difficulty, and clinical application. The test bank covers perioperative care,
ancillary duties, and basic science domains, with questions that require applied
decision-making, critical thinking, and knowledge of aseptic technique,
instrumentation, anatomy, and patient safety. Each question is accompanied
by a verified correct answer and a detailed rationale. Successful completion of
the CST examination demonstrates that the surgical technologist has acquired
the theoretical and practical knowledge required to deliver safe, competent
surgical patient care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
,Question 1
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the appendix is perforated, and
contents begin spilling into the abdomen. Which of the following should the
surgical technologist anticipate as the NEXT step?
A. Suction the fluid from the abdomen
B. Continue removing the appendix as planned
C. Place a Kelly clamp over the perforation
D. Close the wound and terminate the procedure
A. Suction the fluid from the abdomen
RATIONALE: When the appendix is perforated during a laparoscopic
appendectomy, the immediate priority is to suction the spilled contents to
prevent contamination and maintain visualization. This is the standard first
step to manage the spill and reduce the risk of peritonitis.
Question 2
When a break in aseptic technique occurs, the surgical technologist should
FIRST notify the:
A. Circulating nurse
B. Contaminating team member
C. OR supervisor
D. Anesthesia provider
B. Contaminating team member
RATIONALE: The surgical technologist should first notify the team
member who caused the break in aseptic technique so that corrective action
can be taken immediately to prevent further contamination of the sterile
field.
Question 3
Which of the following pathological conditions may be caused by an excessive
production of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?
,A. Hydrocephalus
B. Encephalocele
C. Cranial bifida
D. Craniosynostosis
A. Hydrocephalus
RATIONALE: Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF) in the brain, often caused by excessive production or impaired
absorption of CSF.
Question 4
If unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure, a
surgical technologist should request additional:
A. Lap sponges
B. Raytec sponges
C. Kitners
D. Cottonoids
A. Lap sponges
RATIONALE: Lap sponges are large, highly absorbent sponges used to
absorb significant amounts of blood and fluid during abdominal procedures.
They are the appropriate choice for managing heavy blood loss.
Question 5
Growth in the length of a long bone occurs at the:
A. Diaphysis
B. Medullary canal
C. Epiphyseal plate
D. Articular cartilage
C. Epiphyseal plate
, RATIONALE: The epiphyseal plate (growth plate) is the area of growing
tissue near the ends of long bones where new bone is produced, allowing for
longitudinal bone growth.
Question 6
How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively?
A. Three, two
B. Two, three
C. Three, three
D. Two, two
A. Three, two
RATIONALE: The right lung has three lobes (upper, middle, and lower),
while the left lung has two lobes (upper and lower) to accommodate the
heart.
Question 7
When performing a dilation and curettage, which of the following
instruments is used to grasp the cervix?
A. Sims
B. Auvard
C. Schroeder
D. Bozeman
C. Schroeder
RATIONALE: The Schroeder tenaculum is a single-toothed instrument
used to grasp and stabilize the cervix during gynecological procedures such as
dilation and curettage.
Question 8
A carotid endarterectomy has just been finished and the dressing is on. The
surgical technologist begins removing all sharps and non-disposables from
