CST CERTIFICATION EXAM 2026 ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE 200
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS (100%
CORRECT ANSWERS) /ALREADY GRADED A+
1|Page
,CST CERTIFICATION EXAM 2026
2026/2027 Examination
Total Questions: 200
Instructions:
• Answer all questions.
• Select the single best answer.
• Each question has four answer choices: A, B, C, and D.
• Select only ONE answer for each question.
SECTION 1: PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION AND PATIENT SAFETY
Questions 1–25
Q1. A surgical technologist is reviewing the surgeon's preference card for an upcoming
laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The card indicates a "30-degree scope" but the surgeon verbally
requests a "45-degree scope" upon arrival. What is the most appropriate initial action?
A. Proceed with the 30-degree scope as listed on the preference card.
B. Inform the surgeon that only the listed equipment is available.
C. Obtain the 45-degree scope and document the change on the preference card.
D. Ask the circulator to locate a 45-degree scope and update the preference card after the case.
Correct Answer: C. Obtain the 45-degree scope and document the change on the preference
card.
Rationale: The surgeon's intraoperative request takes precedence, and the surgical technologist
should accommodate the change to facilitate the procedure. Documenting the change ensures
future cases reflect the surgeon's current preference, improving efficiency and reducing delays.
Q2. During preoperative preparation, the surgical technologist notices that the informed consent
form lists "right knee arthroscopy" but the patient's surgical site is marked on the left knee. What is
the priority action?
A. Proceed with prepping the left knee since that is where the mark is located.
B. Notify the circulator and surgeon immediately to resolve the discrepancy before proceeding.
C. Ask the patient which knee is correct and document the response.
D. Cross out the consent and write "left knee" on the form.
Correct Answer: B. Notify the circulator and surgeon immediately to resolve the discrepancy
before proceeding.
Rationale: A discrepancy between the consent and the surgical site marking is a patient safety
event that must be resolved before any preparation or incision. The surgical technologist's role
includes advocating for patient safety and escalating concerns through proper channels.
Q3. A bariatric patient is scheduled for surgery. Which preoperative consideration is most critical
for the surgical technologist when preparing the operating room?
A. Ensuring a standard-sized OR table is adequate for the patient.
B. Obtaining bariatric-specific positioning equipment and bed extenders.
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,C. Reducing the room temperature to prevent patient overheating.
D. Limiting the number of staff in the room to conserve space.
Correct Answer: B. Obtaining bariatric-specific positioning equipment and bed extenders.
Rationale: Bariatric patients require specialized equipment to ensure safe positioning, adequate
support, and prevention of pressure injuries. Standard equipment may not accommodate the
patient's weight and body habitus, creating safety risks.
Q4. The surgical technologist is preparing to open sterile supplies. Which action demonstrates
correct aseptic technique?
A. Opening the outermost wrapper away from the body first.
B. Holding the package close to the body to maintain control.
C. Opening the package with the flaps facing the sterile field.
D. Placing the package on the floor before opening.
Correct Answer: A. Opening the outermost wrapper away from the body first.
Rationale: Opening the outermost wrapper away from the body prevents contamination of the
inner sterile contents. The package should be opened away from the body, with the flaps pulled back
carefully, and the sterile contents dropped onto the sterile field without reaching over it.
Q5. A patient is scheduled for a procedure and has a documented allergy to latex. Which
preoperative action is most important for the surgical technologist?
A. Notify the surgeon that the case must be cancelled.
B. Ensure all supplies and equipment used are latex-free.
C. Place a sign on the OR door indicating a latex allergy.
D. Administer prophylactic antihistamines before surgery.
Correct Answer: B. Ensure all supplies and equipment used are latex-free.
Rationale: For a latex-allergic patient, the surgical technologist must verify that all supplies,
gloves, catheters, and equipment are latex-free to prevent an allergic reaction. This includes
checking packaging labels and communicating with the team.
Q6. During patient positioning for a posterior lumbar fusion, the surgical technologist should
prioritize which action?
A. Ensuring the patient's arms are secured at the sides.
B. Placing the patient in a prone position with adequate padding at pressure points.
C. Hyperextending the patient's neck to improve visualization.
D. Elevating the patient's legs above heart level.
Correct Answer: B. Placing the patient in a prone position with adequate padding at pressure
points.
Rationale: For a posterior lumbar fusion, the patient is positioned prone. Adequate padding at
pressure points (eyes, ears, breasts, genitalia, knees, and feet) prevents nerve damage and pressure
injuries during the prolonged procedure.
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, Q7. The surgical technologist is performing a surgical hand scrub. Which action indicates correct
technique?
A. Scrubbing from the elbows to the fingertips.
B. Scrubbing from the fingertips to the elbows, keeping hands above elbows.
C. Scrubbing only the palms and backs of hands for 1 minute.
D. Using a brush on the forearms but not the hands.
Correct Answer: B. Scrubbing from the fingertips to the elbows, keeping hands above elbows.
Rationale: The surgical scrub should begin at the fingertips and proceed to the elbows, with
hands maintained above the elbows to allow water to flow from clean to dirty areas. This prevents
contaminated water from reaching the hands.
Q8. A surgical technologist is preparing to don a sterile gown and gloves. Which action is
correct?
A. Touching the outside of the gown while picking it up.
B. Having the circulator tie the gown's inner ties after gloving.
C. Putting gloves on before the gown.
D. Allowing the gown to touch the floor while opening it.
Correct Answer: B. Having the circulator tie the gown's inner ties after gloving.
Rationale: The surgical technologist dons the sterile gown by touching only the inside, then
gloves using the closed-glove technique or open-glove technique if sterile assistance is available. The
circulator ties the inner ties at the back of the gown, which is not sterile.
Q9. During the Universal Protocol (Time Out), which of the following must be verified?
A. The patient's insurance information and billing codes.
B. Correct patient, correct procedure, correct site, and correct positioning.
C. The surgeon's preference for suture type.
D. The circulating nurse's years of experience.
Correct Answer: B. Correct patient, correct procedure, correct site, and correct positioning.
Rationale: The Universal Protocol is a patient safety initiative requiring verification of the correct
patient identity, correct procedure, correct site marking, and correct positioning. All team members
must actively participate and agree before the procedure begins.
Q10. A surgical technologist is setting up the sterile field for a craniotomy. Which item is
essential to include on the setup?
A. A laparotomy sponge count bag.
B. A craniotome and perforator drill.
C. A pneumatic tourniquet.
D. A cystoscope.
Correct Answer: B. A craniotome and perforator drill.
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QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS (100%
CORRECT ANSWERS) /ALREADY GRADED A+
1|Page
,CST CERTIFICATION EXAM 2026
2026/2027 Examination
Total Questions: 200
Instructions:
• Answer all questions.
• Select the single best answer.
• Each question has four answer choices: A, B, C, and D.
• Select only ONE answer for each question.
SECTION 1: PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION AND PATIENT SAFETY
Questions 1–25
Q1. A surgical technologist is reviewing the surgeon's preference card for an upcoming
laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The card indicates a "30-degree scope" but the surgeon verbally
requests a "45-degree scope" upon arrival. What is the most appropriate initial action?
A. Proceed with the 30-degree scope as listed on the preference card.
B. Inform the surgeon that only the listed equipment is available.
C. Obtain the 45-degree scope and document the change on the preference card.
D. Ask the circulator to locate a 45-degree scope and update the preference card after the case.
Correct Answer: C. Obtain the 45-degree scope and document the change on the preference
card.
Rationale: The surgeon's intraoperative request takes precedence, and the surgical technologist
should accommodate the change to facilitate the procedure. Documenting the change ensures
future cases reflect the surgeon's current preference, improving efficiency and reducing delays.
Q2. During preoperative preparation, the surgical technologist notices that the informed consent
form lists "right knee arthroscopy" but the patient's surgical site is marked on the left knee. What is
the priority action?
A. Proceed with prepping the left knee since that is where the mark is located.
B. Notify the circulator and surgeon immediately to resolve the discrepancy before proceeding.
C. Ask the patient which knee is correct and document the response.
D. Cross out the consent and write "left knee" on the form.
Correct Answer: B. Notify the circulator and surgeon immediately to resolve the discrepancy
before proceeding.
Rationale: A discrepancy between the consent and the surgical site marking is a patient safety
event that must be resolved before any preparation or incision. The surgical technologist's role
includes advocating for patient safety and escalating concerns through proper channels.
Q3. A bariatric patient is scheduled for surgery. Which preoperative consideration is most critical
for the surgical technologist when preparing the operating room?
A. Ensuring a standard-sized OR table is adequate for the patient.
B. Obtaining bariatric-specific positioning equipment and bed extenders.
2|Page
,C. Reducing the room temperature to prevent patient overheating.
D. Limiting the number of staff in the room to conserve space.
Correct Answer: B. Obtaining bariatric-specific positioning equipment and bed extenders.
Rationale: Bariatric patients require specialized equipment to ensure safe positioning, adequate
support, and prevention of pressure injuries. Standard equipment may not accommodate the
patient's weight and body habitus, creating safety risks.
Q4. The surgical technologist is preparing to open sterile supplies. Which action demonstrates
correct aseptic technique?
A. Opening the outermost wrapper away from the body first.
B. Holding the package close to the body to maintain control.
C. Opening the package with the flaps facing the sterile field.
D. Placing the package on the floor before opening.
Correct Answer: A. Opening the outermost wrapper away from the body first.
Rationale: Opening the outermost wrapper away from the body prevents contamination of the
inner sterile contents. The package should be opened away from the body, with the flaps pulled back
carefully, and the sterile contents dropped onto the sterile field without reaching over it.
Q5. A patient is scheduled for a procedure and has a documented allergy to latex. Which
preoperative action is most important for the surgical technologist?
A. Notify the surgeon that the case must be cancelled.
B. Ensure all supplies and equipment used are latex-free.
C. Place a sign on the OR door indicating a latex allergy.
D. Administer prophylactic antihistamines before surgery.
Correct Answer: B. Ensure all supplies and equipment used are latex-free.
Rationale: For a latex-allergic patient, the surgical technologist must verify that all supplies,
gloves, catheters, and equipment are latex-free to prevent an allergic reaction. This includes
checking packaging labels and communicating with the team.
Q6. During patient positioning for a posterior lumbar fusion, the surgical technologist should
prioritize which action?
A. Ensuring the patient's arms are secured at the sides.
B. Placing the patient in a prone position with adequate padding at pressure points.
C. Hyperextending the patient's neck to improve visualization.
D. Elevating the patient's legs above heart level.
Correct Answer: B. Placing the patient in a prone position with adequate padding at pressure
points.
Rationale: For a posterior lumbar fusion, the patient is positioned prone. Adequate padding at
pressure points (eyes, ears, breasts, genitalia, knees, and feet) prevents nerve damage and pressure
injuries during the prolonged procedure.
3|Page
, Q7. The surgical technologist is performing a surgical hand scrub. Which action indicates correct
technique?
A. Scrubbing from the elbows to the fingertips.
B. Scrubbing from the fingertips to the elbows, keeping hands above elbows.
C. Scrubbing only the palms and backs of hands for 1 minute.
D. Using a brush on the forearms but not the hands.
Correct Answer: B. Scrubbing from the fingertips to the elbows, keeping hands above elbows.
Rationale: The surgical scrub should begin at the fingertips and proceed to the elbows, with
hands maintained above the elbows to allow water to flow from clean to dirty areas. This prevents
contaminated water from reaching the hands.
Q8. A surgical technologist is preparing to don a sterile gown and gloves. Which action is
correct?
A. Touching the outside of the gown while picking it up.
B. Having the circulator tie the gown's inner ties after gloving.
C. Putting gloves on before the gown.
D. Allowing the gown to touch the floor while opening it.
Correct Answer: B. Having the circulator tie the gown's inner ties after gloving.
Rationale: The surgical technologist dons the sterile gown by touching only the inside, then
gloves using the closed-glove technique or open-glove technique if sterile assistance is available. The
circulator ties the inner ties at the back of the gown, which is not sterile.
Q9. During the Universal Protocol (Time Out), which of the following must be verified?
A. The patient's insurance information and billing codes.
B. Correct patient, correct procedure, correct site, and correct positioning.
C. The surgeon's preference for suture type.
D. The circulating nurse's years of experience.
Correct Answer: B. Correct patient, correct procedure, correct site, and correct positioning.
Rationale: The Universal Protocol is a patient safety initiative requiring verification of the correct
patient identity, correct procedure, correct site marking, and correct positioning. All team members
must actively participate and agree before the procedure begins.
Q10. A surgical technologist is setting up the sterile field for a craniotomy. Which item is
essential to include on the setup?
A. A laparotomy sponge count bag.
B. A craniotome and perforator drill.
C. A pneumatic tourniquet.
D. A cystoscope.
Correct Answer: B. A craniotome and perforator drill.
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