SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST CST EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS |
LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Perioperative Case Management
Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology and Wound Healing
Sterilization and Disinfection
Surgical Procedures (General and Specialties)
Professional Practice and Legal/Ethics
Equipment and Instrumentation
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to simulate the Certified Surgical
Technologist (CST) national certification exam. Its primary purpose is to evaluate the
competency, critical thinking, and clinical readiness of surgical technology professionals.
The exam assesses a broad spectrum of knowledge, ranging from fundamental
anatomical theory to complex intraoperative decision-making and regulatory compliance.
,Utilizing a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions, this assessment mirrors
the rigors of the modern operating room environment. Candidates are expected to
demonstrate proficiency in sterile technique, patient safety, and the application of surgical
principles to ensure optimal patient outcomes and adherence to professional standards.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. Which of the following organs is located within the retroperitoneal space?
A. Spleen
B. Liver
C. Kidney
D. Stomach
🟢 Correct answer: C. Kidney
🔴 Explanation: The kidneys are located behind the parietal peritoneum, making them
retroperitoneal structures. The spleen, liver, and stomach are intraperitoneal.
2. During a laparoscopy, which gas is used to create a pneumoperitoneum?
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
,C. Nitrous oxide
D. Nitrogen
🟢 Correct answer: B. Carbon dioxide
🔴 Explanation: Carbon dioxide is used because it is non-flammable, inexpensive, and
easily absorbed by the body tissues, reducing the risk of air embolism.
3. What is the correct sequence of the three phases of wound healing?
A. Proliferation, Maturation, Inflammatory
B. Inflammatory, Proliferation, Maturation
C. Maturation, Inflammatory, Proliferation
D. Proliferation, Inflammatory, Maturation
🟢 Correct answer: B. Inflammatory, Proliferation, Maturation
🔴 Explanation: Wound healing begins with the inflammatory phase (hemostasis and
inflammation), followed by proliferation (tissue repair), and ends with maturation
(remodeling).
4. A surgical technologist is preparing for a procedure and notices a small hole in the
sterile drape after it has been placed. What is the next step?
, A. Cover the hole with a sterile towel
B. Ignore it if it is far from the incision site
C. Replace the entire drape
D. Apply a piece of sterile tape over the hole
🟢 Correct answer: C. Replace the entire drape
🔴 Explanation: Once a sterile barrier is compromised, it is considered contaminated. The
most secure way to maintain aseptic technique is to replace the contaminated drape
entirely.
5. Which of the following is a non-absorbable monofilament suture?
A. Vicryl
B. Prolene
C. Chromic Gut
D. Silk
🟢 Correct answer: B. Prolene
🔴 Explanation: Prolene (polypropylene) is a synthetic, non-absorbable monofilament
suture often used in cardiovascular and general surgery for its high tensile strength.
6. The legal doctrine "Res ipsa loquitur" translates to:
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS |
LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Perioperative Case Management
Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology and Wound Healing
Sterilization and Disinfection
Surgical Procedures (General and Specialties)
Professional Practice and Legal/Ethics
Equipment and Instrumentation
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to simulate the Certified Surgical
Technologist (CST) national certification exam. Its primary purpose is to evaluate the
competency, critical thinking, and clinical readiness of surgical technology professionals.
The exam assesses a broad spectrum of knowledge, ranging from fundamental
anatomical theory to complex intraoperative decision-making and regulatory compliance.
,Utilizing a mix of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions, this assessment mirrors
the rigors of the modern operating room environment. Candidates are expected to
demonstrate proficiency in sterile technique, patient safety, and the application of surgical
principles to ensure optimal patient outcomes and adherence to professional standards.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. Which of the following organs is located within the retroperitoneal space?
A. Spleen
B. Liver
C. Kidney
D. Stomach
🟢 Correct answer: C. Kidney
🔴 Explanation: The kidneys are located behind the parietal peritoneum, making them
retroperitoneal structures. The spleen, liver, and stomach are intraperitoneal.
2. During a laparoscopy, which gas is used to create a pneumoperitoneum?
A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
,C. Nitrous oxide
D. Nitrogen
🟢 Correct answer: B. Carbon dioxide
🔴 Explanation: Carbon dioxide is used because it is non-flammable, inexpensive, and
easily absorbed by the body tissues, reducing the risk of air embolism.
3. What is the correct sequence of the three phases of wound healing?
A. Proliferation, Maturation, Inflammatory
B. Inflammatory, Proliferation, Maturation
C. Maturation, Inflammatory, Proliferation
D. Proliferation, Inflammatory, Maturation
🟢 Correct answer: B. Inflammatory, Proliferation, Maturation
🔴 Explanation: Wound healing begins with the inflammatory phase (hemostasis and
inflammation), followed by proliferation (tissue repair), and ends with maturation
(remodeling).
4. A surgical technologist is preparing for a procedure and notices a small hole in the
sterile drape after it has been placed. What is the next step?
, A. Cover the hole with a sterile towel
B. Ignore it if it is far from the incision site
C. Replace the entire drape
D. Apply a piece of sterile tape over the hole
🟢 Correct answer: C. Replace the entire drape
🔴 Explanation: Once a sterile barrier is compromised, it is considered contaminated. The
most secure way to maintain aseptic technique is to replace the contaminated drape
entirely.
5. Which of the following is a non-absorbable monofilament suture?
A. Vicryl
B. Prolene
C. Chromic Gut
D. Silk
🟢 Correct answer: B. Prolene
🔴 Explanation: Prolene (polypropylene) is a synthetic, non-absorbable monofilament
suture often used in cardiovascular and general surgery for its high tensile strength.
6. The legal doctrine "Res ipsa loquitur" translates to:
