NCCT SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST (TS-C) EXAM
– PRACTICE Q&A BANK UPDATED 2026
VERIFIED QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
RATIONALES
SECTION 1: STERILE TECHNIQUE & ASEPSIS
1. The surgical technologist is preparing for a laparoscopic assisted vaginal
hysterectomy. Which of the following equipment is needed for the procedure?
A) Endoscopic retrieval bag
B) Harmonic scalpel
C) Endoscopic GIA
D) Alexis retractor
Answer: B
Rationale: A harmonic scalpel is used in laparoscopic procedures to simultaneously
cut and coagulate tissue with minimal lateral thermal damage, which is essential in
delicate pelvic dissections .
2. A patient is having a hysteroscopy for myomectomy excision. The patient has
been under anesthesia for an hour and is starting to show signs of extreme
1
,swelling. Which of the following is most critical to monitor in order to prevent
these symptoms?
A) Fluid intake and output
B) Blood pressure
C) Heart rate
D) Oxygen saturation
Answer: A
Rationale: Hysteroscopy requires distension of the uterine cavity with fluid, which
can be absorbed systemically. Meticulous monitoring of fluid intake and output
prevents fluid overload and related complications.
3. When reviewing the autoclave log, the surgical technologist should confirm that
which of the following have been documented before using the instrumentation?
A) Exposure temperature
B) Cycle time
C) Biological indicator results
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: Proper documentation of exposure temperature, cycle time, and
biological indicator results ensures sterilization parameters were met before using
instruments in surgery.
2
,4. The surgical technologist should use which of the following disinfectants when
reprocessing an endotracheal tube used during surgery?
A) Cidex OPA
B) Alcohol
C) Bleach
D) Iodophor
Answer: A
Rationale: Cidex OPA (ortho-phthalaldehyde) is a high-level disinfectant effective
for reprocessing semi-critical items like endotracheal tubes.
5. Which of the following is being tested when doing a Bowie-Dick test on an
autoclave?
A) Amount of air removed from the autoclave
B) Temperature accuracy
C) Pressure consistency
D) Steam quality
Answer: A
Rationale: The Bowie-Dick test is a diagnostic test used to evaluate air removal
and steam penetration in dynamic air removal sterilizers (prevacuum autoclaves).
6. What is the minimum percentage level of humidity in the OR suite?
3
, A) 20%
B) 30%
C) 40%
D) 50%
Answer: A
Rationale: ANSI/AAMI standards recommend maintaining OR humidity between
20-60% to minimize static electricity and bacterial growth.
7. If an item enters sterile tissue or the vascular system, what must be true?
A) It must be sterile
B) It must be disinfected
C) It must be clean
D) It must be packaged
Answer: A
Rationale: Items that contact sterile tissue or the vascular system must be sterile to
prevent infection. This is a core principle of aseptic technique.
8. If a sterile package is wet, torn, or compromised under facility policy, the
surgical technologist should:
A) Use it if it appears clean
B) Discard it and consider it non-sterile
4
– PRACTICE Q&A BANK UPDATED 2026
VERIFIED QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
RATIONALES
SECTION 1: STERILE TECHNIQUE & ASEPSIS
1. The surgical technologist is preparing for a laparoscopic assisted vaginal
hysterectomy. Which of the following equipment is needed for the procedure?
A) Endoscopic retrieval bag
B) Harmonic scalpel
C) Endoscopic GIA
D) Alexis retractor
Answer: B
Rationale: A harmonic scalpel is used in laparoscopic procedures to simultaneously
cut and coagulate tissue with minimal lateral thermal damage, which is essential in
delicate pelvic dissections .
2. A patient is having a hysteroscopy for myomectomy excision. The patient has
been under anesthesia for an hour and is starting to show signs of extreme
1
,swelling. Which of the following is most critical to monitor in order to prevent
these symptoms?
A) Fluid intake and output
B) Blood pressure
C) Heart rate
D) Oxygen saturation
Answer: A
Rationale: Hysteroscopy requires distension of the uterine cavity with fluid, which
can be absorbed systemically. Meticulous monitoring of fluid intake and output
prevents fluid overload and related complications.
3. When reviewing the autoclave log, the surgical technologist should confirm that
which of the following have been documented before using the instrumentation?
A) Exposure temperature
B) Cycle time
C) Biological indicator results
D) All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: Proper documentation of exposure temperature, cycle time, and
biological indicator results ensures sterilization parameters were met before using
instruments in surgery.
2
,4. The surgical technologist should use which of the following disinfectants when
reprocessing an endotracheal tube used during surgery?
A) Cidex OPA
B) Alcohol
C) Bleach
D) Iodophor
Answer: A
Rationale: Cidex OPA (ortho-phthalaldehyde) is a high-level disinfectant effective
for reprocessing semi-critical items like endotracheal tubes.
5. Which of the following is being tested when doing a Bowie-Dick test on an
autoclave?
A) Amount of air removed from the autoclave
B) Temperature accuracy
C) Pressure consistency
D) Steam quality
Answer: A
Rationale: The Bowie-Dick test is a diagnostic test used to evaluate air removal
and steam penetration in dynamic air removal sterilizers (prevacuum autoclaves).
6. What is the minimum percentage level of humidity in the OR suite?
3
, A) 20%
B) 30%
C) 40%
D) 50%
Answer: A
Rationale: ANSI/AAMI standards recommend maintaining OR humidity between
20-60% to minimize static electricity and bacterial growth.
7. If an item enters sterile tissue or the vascular system, what must be true?
A) It must be sterile
B) It must be disinfected
C) It must be clean
D) It must be packaged
Answer: A
Rationale: Items that contact sterile tissue or the vascular system must be sterile to
prevent infection. This is a core principle of aseptic technique.
8. If a sterile package is wet, torn, or compromised under facility policy, the
surgical technologist should:
A) Use it if it appears clean
B) Discard it and consider it non-sterile
4
