AST Surgical Technologist CST Practice
Exam 1| Complete Q&A| Approved 2025
What does a surgical technologist do during surgery?
A surgical technologist ensures the sterile field is maintained during surgery.
What type of incision is typically used for an appendectomy?
A McBurney's incision is typically used for an appendectomy.
What is the typical position for a patient undergoing hernia repair?
The lithotomy position is not typically used for a hernia repair. The patient is usually placed
in the supine position.
What is the responsibility of the surgeon’s first assistant during surgery?
The surgeon’s first assistant is responsible for holding retractors and assisting with suturing
during the procedure.
How should a scalpel blade be passed?
The scalpel blade should be passed with the cutting edge facing away from the hand of the
surgeon.
When should a sterile field be established during surgery?
1
, A sterile field should be established before the surgical procedure begins, and it must be
maintained throughout the operation.
What is the purpose of sterilization in surgery?
Sterilization is used to ensure the safety of the patient by eliminating all microorganisms
from surgical instruments.
What is the purpose of an arterial line in surgery?
An arterial line is used to monitor a patient’s blood pressure continuously during surgery.
Where is the most common site of infection after surgery?
The most common site of infection after surgery is the incision area.
What does aseptic technique refer to in surgery?
Aseptic technique refers to procedures used to prevent the introduction of microorganisms
into the sterile field.
What position is a patient typically placed in for abdominal surgery?
A patient is typically placed in the supine position for abdominal surgery.
What does aseptic mean in the context of surgery?
2
, Aseptic refers to the absence of all microorganisms, ensuring a sterile environment during
surgery.
What is a Mayo stand used for during surgery?
A Mayo stand is used to hold surgical instruments that need to be within easy reach of the
surgeon.
How should sharp instruments be passed to the surgeon?
Sharp instruments should always be passed with the sharp end facing away from the surgical
technologist’s hand.
What is the typical procedure for a laparotomy?
Yes, a laparotomy typically involves incising the peritoneum to access the abdominal cavity.
What is the role of the scrub person during surgery?
The scrub person should always wear sterile gloves, a sterile gown, and a mask during the
procedure.
Who is responsible for performing the surgery and making clinical decisions?
The surgeon is responsible for performing the surgery and making clinical decisions
regarding the patient’s care.
How is a sterile field maintained during surgery?
3
Exam 1| Complete Q&A| Approved 2025
What does a surgical technologist do during surgery?
A surgical technologist ensures the sterile field is maintained during surgery.
What type of incision is typically used for an appendectomy?
A McBurney's incision is typically used for an appendectomy.
What is the typical position for a patient undergoing hernia repair?
The lithotomy position is not typically used for a hernia repair. The patient is usually placed
in the supine position.
What is the responsibility of the surgeon’s first assistant during surgery?
The surgeon’s first assistant is responsible for holding retractors and assisting with suturing
during the procedure.
How should a scalpel blade be passed?
The scalpel blade should be passed with the cutting edge facing away from the hand of the
surgeon.
When should a sterile field be established during surgery?
1
, A sterile field should be established before the surgical procedure begins, and it must be
maintained throughout the operation.
What is the purpose of sterilization in surgery?
Sterilization is used to ensure the safety of the patient by eliminating all microorganisms
from surgical instruments.
What is the purpose of an arterial line in surgery?
An arterial line is used to monitor a patient’s blood pressure continuously during surgery.
Where is the most common site of infection after surgery?
The most common site of infection after surgery is the incision area.
What does aseptic technique refer to in surgery?
Aseptic technique refers to procedures used to prevent the introduction of microorganisms
into the sterile field.
What position is a patient typically placed in for abdominal surgery?
A patient is typically placed in the supine position for abdominal surgery.
What does aseptic mean in the context of surgery?
2
, Aseptic refers to the absence of all microorganisms, ensuring a sterile environment during
surgery.
What is a Mayo stand used for during surgery?
A Mayo stand is used to hold surgical instruments that need to be within easy reach of the
surgeon.
How should sharp instruments be passed to the surgeon?
Sharp instruments should always be passed with the sharp end facing away from the surgical
technologist’s hand.
What is the typical procedure for a laparotomy?
Yes, a laparotomy typically involves incising the peritoneum to access the abdominal cavity.
What is the role of the scrub person during surgery?
The scrub person should always wear sterile gloves, a sterile gown, and a mask during the
procedure.
Who is responsible for performing the surgery and making clinical decisions?
The surgeon is responsible for performing the surgery and making clinical decisions
regarding the patient’s care.
How is a sterile field maintained during surgery?
3
