Utah Surgical Technologist Certification Exam
Practice Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026/2027 Q&A| Instant
Download pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary responsibility of a surgical technologist during an
operation?
A. Maintain a sterile field
B. Administer anesthesia
C. Perform surgery
D. Diagnose disease
Answer & Rationale: A. Maintain a sterile field – The surgical technologist ensures sterility
of instruments and environment to prevent infection.
2. Which of the following is the most effective method of sterilization in the operating
room?
A. Steam autoclaving
B. Alcohol wiping
C. UV light
D. Boiling water
Answer & Rationale: A. Steam autoclaving – Uses high-pressure steam to destroy all
microorganisms including spores.
3. Which of the following is used to create a sterile field?
A. Sterile drapes
B. Towels only
C. Gloves only
D. Cotton swabs
Answer & Rationale: A. Sterile drapes – Used to isolate the surgical site and maintain
sterility.
4. Which instrument is commonly used to grasp tissue?
A. Forceps
B. Scalpel
C. Retractor
D. Suction
Answer & Rationale: A. Forceps – Used for holding or grasping tissues during surgery.
, 5. Which of the following is the correct order for donning sterile attire?
A. Gown then gloves
B. Gloves then gown
C. Mask then gloves
D. Gloves then mask
Answer & Rationale: A. Gown then gloves – Ensures sterility is maintained during surgical
preparation.
6. Which of the following is the primary purpose of surgical hand scrubbing?
A. Remove microorganisms
B. Improve circulation
C. Prevent sweating
D. Enhance grip
Answer & Rationale: A. Remove microorganisms – Reduces microbial load on hands
before surgery.
7. Which instrument is used for cutting tissue?
A. Scalpel
B. Forceps
C. Hemostat
D. Retractor
Answer & Rationale: A. Scalpel – Sharp instrument used for incisions.
8. Which of the following is most appropriate for controlling bleeding during surgery?
A. Hemostat
B. Scalpel
C. Retractor
D. Forceps
Answer & Rationale: A. Hemostat – Clamps blood vessels to control bleeding.
9. Which of the following is the sterile area of a surgical gown?
A. Front from chest to waist and sleeves
B. Back of gown
C. Below waist
D. Neckline
Answer & Rationale: A. Front and sleeves – Considered sterile zones during surgery.
10. Which of the following is most appropriate for counting surgical instruments?
A. Before, during, and after surgery
B. After surgery only
, C. Before surgery only
D. During surgery only
Answer & Rationale: A. Before, during, and after – Prevents retained surgical items.
11. Which instrument is used to hold back tissue for exposure?
A. Retractor
B. Scalpel
C. Forceps
D. Needle holder
Answer & Rationale: A. Retractor – Provides visibility by holding tissues apart.
12. Which of the following is the correct method for passing sharp instruments?
A. Use neutral zone or hands-free technique
B. Pass directly hand-to-hand
C. Toss instrument
D. Leave on table
Answer & Rationale: A. Neutral zone – Minimizes risk of injury and contamination.
13. Which of the following is most appropriate for preventing surgical site infections?
A. Strict aseptic technique
B. Fast surgery
C. Minimal staff
D. Low lighting
Answer & Rationale: A. Aseptic technique – Prevents contamination and infection.
14. Which of the following is used to suture tissue?
A. Needle holder
B. Scalpel
C. Forceps
D. Retractor
Answer & Rationale: A. Needle holder – Holds needle for suturing tissues.
15. Which of the following is the purpose of a surgical sponge?
A. Absorb blood and fluids
B. Cut tissue
C. Clamp vessels
D. Hold instruments
Answer & Rationale: A. Absorb fluids – Keeps surgical field clear.
Practice Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026/2027 Q&A| Instant
Download pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary responsibility of a surgical technologist during an
operation?
A. Maintain a sterile field
B. Administer anesthesia
C. Perform surgery
D. Diagnose disease
Answer & Rationale: A. Maintain a sterile field – The surgical technologist ensures sterility
of instruments and environment to prevent infection.
2. Which of the following is the most effective method of sterilization in the operating
room?
A. Steam autoclaving
B. Alcohol wiping
C. UV light
D. Boiling water
Answer & Rationale: A. Steam autoclaving – Uses high-pressure steam to destroy all
microorganisms including spores.
3. Which of the following is used to create a sterile field?
A. Sterile drapes
B. Towels only
C. Gloves only
D. Cotton swabs
Answer & Rationale: A. Sterile drapes – Used to isolate the surgical site and maintain
sterility.
4. Which instrument is commonly used to grasp tissue?
A. Forceps
B. Scalpel
C. Retractor
D. Suction
Answer & Rationale: A. Forceps – Used for holding or grasping tissues during surgery.
, 5. Which of the following is the correct order for donning sterile attire?
A. Gown then gloves
B. Gloves then gown
C. Mask then gloves
D. Gloves then mask
Answer & Rationale: A. Gown then gloves – Ensures sterility is maintained during surgical
preparation.
6. Which of the following is the primary purpose of surgical hand scrubbing?
A. Remove microorganisms
B. Improve circulation
C. Prevent sweating
D. Enhance grip
Answer & Rationale: A. Remove microorganisms – Reduces microbial load on hands
before surgery.
7. Which instrument is used for cutting tissue?
A. Scalpel
B. Forceps
C. Hemostat
D. Retractor
Answer & Rationale: A. Scalpel – Sharp instrument used for incisions.
8. Which of the following is most appropriate for controlling bleeding during surgery?
A. Hemostat
B. Scalpel
C. Retractor
D. Forceps
Answer & Rationale: A. Hemostat – Clamps blood vessels to control bleeding.
9. Which of the following is the sterile area of a surgical gown?
A. Front from chest to waist and sleeves
B. Back of gown
C. Below waist
D. Neckline
Answer & Rationale: A. Front and sleeves – Considered sterile zones during surgery.
10. Which of the following is most appropriate for counting surgical instruments?
A. Before, during, and after surgery
B. After surgery only
, C. Before surgery only
D. During surgery only
Answer & Rationale: A. Before, during, and after – Prevents retained surgical items.
11. Which instrument is used to hold back tissue for exposure?
A. Retractor
B. Scalpel
C. Forceps
D. Needle holder
Answer & Rationale: A. Retractor – Provides visibility by holding tissues apart.
12. Which of the following is the correct method for passing sharp instruments?
A. Use neutral zone or hands-free technique
B. Pass directly hand-to-hand
C. Toss instrument
D. Leave on table
Answer & Rationale: A. Neutral zone – Minimizes risk of injury and contamination.
13. Which of the following is most appropriate for preventing surgical site infections?
A. Strict aseptic technique
B. Fast surgery
C. Minimal staff
D. Low lighting
Answer & Rationale: A. Aseptic technique – Prevents contamination and infection.
14. Which of the following is used to suture tissue?
A. Needle holder
B. Scalpel
C. Forceps
D. Retractor
Answer & Rationale: A. Needle holder – Holds needle for suturing tissues.
15. Which of the following is the purpose of a surgical sponge?
A. Absorb blood and fluids
B. Cut tissue
C. Clamp vessels
D. Hold instruments
Answer & Rationale: A. Absorb fluids – Keeps surgical field clear.
