2026 NCCT Surgical Technician Practice Exam with Answers Surgical Tech Certification
Prep
The anesthesia care provider (ACP) is performing an induction on a known asthmatic patient. The
patient experiences a laryngospasm during intubation. The patient's oxygen saturation is 65%. The
scrubbed surgical technologist should: prepare for a tracheostomy. << correct answer >>Which of the
following is the minimum number of counts for a Cesarean section case? 4 << correct answer
>>During surgery, the surgical technologist reaches for a supply item being handed by the circulator. The
surgical technologist's left glove touches the outside of the package. Which of the following steps must
be taken to correct the break in sterile technique? The circulator removes the contaminated glove
and then the technologist re-gloves herself. << correct answer >>When reviewing the autoclave log, the
surgical technologist should confirm that which of the following have been documented before using
the instrumentation? Exposure temperature << correct answer >>What is the minimum percentage
level of humidity in the OR suite? 20 % << correct answer >>The surgical technologist is preparing
for a myelography procedure. Which of the following items would definitely be on the preference card
for this case? Contrast medium << correct answer >>When preparing for a right total nephrectomy,
the operating room team should position the patient using which of the following positioning options?
left lateral position << correct answer >>During an abdominal surgery, the anesthetist states
that they believe an MH crisis is presenting itself in the surgical patient. The surgical tech should Prepare
to close quickly and maintain the sterile field << correct answer >>The surgical technologist is preparing
the incision site for placement of a dressing following a mastectomy. The surgical technologist noticed
that the patient has developed a hematoma at the incision site. The surgeon has left the operating
room. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist take? Ask the surgeon to
return. << correct answer >>The surgical technologist should use which of the following disinfectants
when reprocessing an endotracheal tube used during surgery? Cidex OPA << correct answer >>A
patient is having a cervical cone biopsy. The surgeon prefers to not use a Bovie. Which of the following
solutions should the surgical technologist have available in the room for control of bleeding?
Monsels solution << correct answer >>Before use of the ESU generator the surgical technologist
should check for the biomedical engineering sticker. << correct answer >>A gynecologic oncology
surgeon decides to bring her patient into the OR emergently after seeing her in the office. The patient's
abdomen is greatly distended, warm and firm to the touch. Which of the following should the surgical
technologist have available? Poole tip suction and Lap sponges << correct answer >>At the end of
each case the surgical technologist should rinse blood from the instruments with sterile water. <<
correct answer >>A cardiac arrest occurs during a thoracotomy procedure, and the surgeon calls a CODE
BLUE. The surgeon is attempting to resuscitate the patient using CPR. Which of the following is the
responsibility of the surgical technologist in this situation? Prepare internal defibrillator paddles.
<< correct answer >>Which of the following is being tested when doing a Bowie-Dick test on an
autoclave? Amount of air removed from the autoclave << correct answer >>The patient is
undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, and placed in the Sims position. Which of the following actions
prevents the likelihood of an intraoperative positioning injury to the brachial plexus? Place rolled
towel padding beneath abducted down-side arm. << correct answer >>The patient will need surgical skin
prep for a right arm disarticulation at the shoulder. Which of the following is the correct method for
,completing this prep? Begin at shoulder to finger tips, including flank and chest, prepping the axilla
last, using as many sponges as needed, keeping the arm away from the bed. << correct answer >>Which
of the following instruments is used to extend the arteriotomy during a carotid endarterectomy?
potts smith << correct answer >>During an open hernia procedure on adult male patient the
surgeon requests assistance with retracting the spermatic cord. Which of the following should the
surgical technologist provide? moist Penrose << correct answer >>The surgical technologist places the
patient in Fowler position with head secured by craniotomy headrest. Which of the following locations
indicates correct application of the safety strap?2 inches above the knees << correct answer >>A surgical
technologist is in the process of opening sterile supplies for an abdominal hysterectomy on a 300 lb.
patient. After reviewing the preference card, which of the following items should the technologist hold
in order to watch costs? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) Closing suture, 11 knife blade, Extra
Raytec << correct answer >>Which of the following retractors will the surgical technologist need for an
emergent bring back case on a 450lb abdominal hysterectomy patient? bookwalter << correct answer
>>In preparation for a carotid endarterectomy the surgical technologist should anticipate using which of
the following sutures? 7-0 Prolene << correct answer >>Following placement of dressings on the back
of a patient after a Posterolateral Instrumented Lumbar Fusion (PLIF), the circulator notices bleeding at
the surgical site and notifies the surgeon. The surgical technologist has broken sterility to help move the
patient. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist take? Prepare to scrub, re-
gown, and re-glove. << correct answer >>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 swelling.
Which of the following is most critical to monitor in order to prevent these symptoms? Fluid intake and
output << correct answer >>During a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon is using a Balfour
retractor. Which type of nerve injury is possible if this retractor is placed incorrectly inside the patient?
Femoral << correct answer >>The surgical technologist is preparing the OR suite for a patient's
transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Which of the following supplies should the surgical
technologist anticipate?Continuous bladder irrigation solution << correct answer >>The surgical
technologist hears a patient entering the operating room state verbally that he doesn't want the surgery
and fears he will not survive. The surgical technologist must inform the circulating nurse. << correct
answer >>The surgical technologist is assisting the surgical team in positioning the patient for a total hip
arthroplasty. How can the surgical technologist plan for placing the patient in this position?
Position the beanbag or pegboard on the surgical table. << correct answer >>The surgeon is
using staples to close the skin on an abdominal incision after performing an exploratory laparotomy.
Which of the following pickups should the surgical technologist use for this step? adson <<
correct answer >>A GYN patient is scheduled to have a D&C procedure. To prevent the risk of skin and
neurovascular pressure or injury when the patient is placed in stirrups in the lithotomy position, which
of the following must the surgical team do? Have adequate padding available in room. << correct
answer >>The surgical technologist notices smoke and flames coming from the drape surrounding the
surgical site. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist take? Smother the
drape with a wet sterile towel. << correct answer >>Which of the following hemostatic agents must be
handled dry? Microfibrillar collagen/Avitene << correct answer >>The surgical team prepares the
room for a trauma case. The nurse is notified by the ER that the patient is a 3-year-old female with a
gunshot wound. In preparing the room for the patient's arrival, the surgical technologist should ensure
that the room ismaintained at 75 degrees F (23 C). << correct answer >>The surgeon is closing skin with
the final stitch and all counts are complete. Which of the following should the surgical technologist have
, ready for next step? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) Wet sponge, Dry sponge, ABD pad <<
correct answer >>A patient is undergoing a right partial pneumonectomy. Which of the following drains
should the surgical technologist prepare for placement at the end of the case? Chest tube << correct
answer >>During a colon resection, an endo GIA misfired. Where should the surgical technologist bring
the endo GIA after surgery? Decontamination area << correct answer >>During a vascular procedure
a vessel is ligated. The surgeon states that she will repair the vessel after bleeding is controlled. Which
needle type would she most likely require to complete this task? Tapered needle << correct
answer >>Which of the following instruments can be decontaminated in a washer-sterilizer? Laser
coated instrument set << correct answer >>During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon
performs a cholangiogram. The circulator delivers 30cc of undiluted contrast medium to the surgical
technologist. The surgeon prefers his contrast medium diluted 50/50 with saline. To complete the
cholangiogram, the surgeon uses two 20cc syringes of the 50/50 contrast medium, and two 20cc
syringes of saline. Which of the following is the total amount of contrast medium used during the
procedure? 20cc << correct answer >>The surgical technologist prepared a breast lump to send as a
frozen section to pathology. The surgical technologist should pass off the specimen placed on a
telfa pad. << correct answer >>For which of the following drains is a sterile safety pin used?
Penrose << correct answer >>A surgical technologist (ST) is notified of a burn patient coming
into the OR for a debridement. The ST volunteers to assist in transporting the patient from the patient's
room to the OR with other non-direct health care providers. Before entering the patient's room, the ST
dons a gown, gloves, and mask to retrieve the patient. Why is this the proper protocol? The patient is
under isolation precautions. << correct answer >>When preparing peel pack instruments for steam
sterilization the surgical technologist should inspect the instrument, place an indicator in the package,
and label the package. << correct answer >>The surgical technologist has just completed scrubbing
for a repair of an abdominal aneurysm. The aneurysm repair ruptures during transport from the
operating room bed to the stretcher. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist
take next? Don new gown and gloves. << correct answer >>Which of the following is a correct date
notation for a sterile package? 164 << correct answer >>If a Frazier suction tip falls on the floor during a
procedure the proper protocol for flash autoclaving the item in a gravity displacement sterilizer is to
flush the lumen and autoclave for 10 minutes at 270 degrees F << correct answer >>If the
surgical technologist's request for an initial count is refused by the circulator due to emergent nature of
a procedure, which of the following is the proper course of action? Continue with subsequent
counts and follow procedure from that point on in the case. << correct answer >>During a laparoscopic
procedure the surgeon decides to convert to open. Which of the following additional supplies and
equipment need to be opened? Lap sponges << correct answer >>The surgical technologist is scrubbed
in on a scheduled breast biopsy with a frozen section. After removing the specimen, the surgeon tags
the specimen with suture at 6 o'clock and passes it to the technologist. Which of the following should
the technologist do first? Ask the surgeon to identify the specimen. << correct answer >>The
surgeon is performing an inguinal herniorraphy procedure and has made the incision and dissected
down a short way into the underlying tissue. Which of the following retractors should the surgical
technologist have ready to pass? Army-Navy << correct answer >>After a surgical procedure,
where should all unused surgical materials be returned to? Central Supply << correct answer >>An
OB-GYN surgeon has posted a laparoscopic partial hysterectomy and has informed the surgical team
that the ovaries are remaining. However, the fallopian tubes will require ligation involving the tubes
being clipped and cauterized. Which of the following instruments should the surgical technologist open?
Prep
The anesthesia care provider (ACP) is performing an induction on a known asthmatic patient. The
patient experiences a laryngospasm during intubation. The patient's oxygen saturation is 65%. The
scrubbed surgical technologist should: prepare for a tracheostomy. << correct answer >>Which of the
following is the minimum number of counts for a Cesarean section case? 4 << correct answer
>>During surgery, the surgical technologist reaches for a supply item being handed by the circulator. The
surgical technologist's left glove touches the outside of the package. Which of the following steps must
be taken to correct the break in sterile technique? The circulator removes the contaminated glove
and then the technologist re-gloves herself. << correct answer >>When reviewing the autoclave log, the
surgical technologist should confirm that which of the following have been documented before using
the instrumentation? Exposure temperature << correct answer >>What is the minimum percentage
level of humidity in the OR suite? 20 % << correct answer >>The surgical technologist is preparing
for a myelography procedure. Which of the following items would definitely be on the preference card
for this case? Contrast medium << correct answer >>When preparing for a right total nephrectomy,
the operating room team should position the patient using which of the following positioning options?
left lateral position << correct answer >>During an abdominal surgery, the anesthetist states
that they believe an MH crisis is presenting itself in the surgical patient. The surgical tech should Prepare
to close quickly and maintain the sterile field << correct answer >>The surgical technologist is preparing
the incision site for placement of a dressing following a mastectomy. The surgical technologist noticed
that the patient has developed a hematoma at the incision site. The surgeon has left the operating
room. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist take? Ask the surgeon to
return. << correct answer >>The surgical technologist should use which of the following disinfectants
when reprocessing an endotracheal tube used during surgery? Cidex OPA << correct answer >>A
patient is having a cervical cone biopsy. The surgeon prefers to not use a Bovie. Which of the following
solutions should the surgical technologist have available in the room for control of bleeding?
Monsels solution << correct answer >>Before use of the ESU generator the surgical technologist
should check for the biomedical engineering sticker. << correct answer >>A gynecologic oncology
surgeon decides to bring her patient into the OR emergently after seeing her in the office. The patient's
abdomen is greatly distended, warm and firm to the touch. Which of the following should the surgical
technologist have available? Poole tip suction and Lap sponges << correct answer >>At the end of
each case the surgical technologist should rinse blood from the instruments with sterile water. <<
correct answer >>A cardiac arrest occurs during a thoracotomy procedure, and the surgeon calls a CODE
BLUE. The surgeon is attempting to resuscitate the patient using CPR. Which of the following is the
responsibility of the surgical technologist in this situation? Prepare internal defibrillator paddles.
<< correct answer >>Which of the following is being tested when doing a Bowie-Dick test on an
autoclave? Amount of air removed from the autoclave << correct answer >>The patient is
undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, and placed in the Sims position. Which of the following actions
prevents the likelihood of an intraoperative positioning injury to the brachial plexus? Place rolled
towel padding beneath abducted down-side arm. << correct answer >>The patient will need surgical skin
prep for a right arm disarticulation at the shoulder. Which of the following is the correct method for
,completing this prep? Begin at shoulder to finger tips, including flank and chest, prepping the axilla
last, using as many sponges as needed, keeping the arm away from the bed. << correct answer >>Which
of the following instruments is used to extend the arteriotomy during a carotid endarterectomy?
potts smith << correct answer >>During an open hernia procedure on adult male patient the
surgeon requests assistance with retracting the spermatic cord. Which of the following should the
surgical technologist provide? moist Penrose << correct answer >>The surgical technologist places the
patient in Fowler position with head secured by craniotomy headrest. Which of the following locations
indicates correct application of the safety strap?2 inches above the knees << correct answer >>A surgical
technologist is in the process of opening sterile supplies for an abdominal hysterectomy on a 300 lb.
patient. After reviewing the preference card, which of the following items should the technologist hold
in order to watch costs? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) Closing suture, 11 knife blade, Extra
Raytec << correct answer >>Which of the following retractors will the surgical technologist need for an
emergent bring back case on a 450lb abdominal hysterectomy patient? bookwalter << correct answer
>>In preparation for a carotid endarterectomy the surgical technologist should anticipate using which of
the following sutures? 7-0 Prolene << correct answer >>Following placement of dressings on the back
of a patient after a Posterolateral Instrumented Lumbar Fusion (PLIF), the circulator notices bleeding at
the surgical site and notifies the surgeon. The surgical technologist has broken sterility to help move the
patient. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist take? Prepare to scrub, re-
gown, and re-glove. << correct answer >>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 swelling.
Which of the following is most critical to monitor in order to prevent these symptoms? Fluid intake and
output << correct answer >>During a total abdominal hysterectomy, the surgeon is using a Balfour
retractor. Which type of nerve injury is possible if this retractor is placed incorrectly inside the patient?
Femoral << correct answer >>The surgical technologist is preparing the OR suite for a patient's
transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Which of the following supplies should the surgical
technologist anticipate?Continuous bladder irrigation solution << correct answer >>The surgical
technologist hears a patient entering the operating room state verbally that he doesn't want the surgery
and fears he will not survive. The surgical technologist must inform the circulating nurse. << correct
answer >>The surgical technologist is assisting the surgical team in positioning the patient for a total hip
arthroplasty. How can the surgical technologist plan for placing the patient in this position?
Position the beanbag or pegboard on the surgical table. << correct answer >>The surgeon is
using staples to close the skin on an abdominal incision after performing an exploratory laparotomy.
Which of the following pickups should the surgical technologist use for this step? adson <<
correct answer >>A GYN patient is scheduled to have a D&C procedure. To prevent the risk of skin and
neurovascular pressure or injury when the patient is placed in stirrups in the lithotomy position, which
of the following must the surgical team do? Have adequate padding available in room. << correct
answer >>The surgical technologist notices smoke and flames coming from the drape surrounding the
surgical site. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist take? Smother the
drape with a wet sterile towel. << correct answer >>Which of the following hemostatic agents must be
handled dry? Microfibrillar collagen/Avitene << correct answer >>The surgical team prepares the
room for a trauma case. The nurse is notified by the ER that the patient is a 3-year-old female with a
gunshot wound. In preparing the room for the patient's arrival, the surgical technologist should ensure
that the room ismaintained at 75 degrees F (23 C). << correct answer >>The surgeon is closing skin with
the final stitch and all counts are complete. Which of the following should the surgical technologist have
, ready for next step? (Select the three (3) correct answers.) Wet sponge, Dry sponge, ABD pad <<
correct answer >>A patient is undergoing a right partial pneumonectomy. Which of the following drains
should the surgical technologist prepare for placement at the end of the case? Chest tube << correct
answer >>During a colon resection, an endo GIA misfired. Where should the surgical technologist bring
the endo GIA after surgery? Decontamination area << correct answer >>During a vascular procedure
a vessel is ligated. The surgeon states that she will repair the vessel after bleeding is controlled. Which
needle type would she most likely require to complete this task? Tapered needle << correct
answer >>Which of the following instruments can be decontaminated in a washer-sterilizer? Laser
coated instrument set << correct answer >>During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon
performs a cholangiogram. The circulator delivers 30cc of undiluted contrast medium to the surgical
technologist. The surgeon prefers his contrast medium diluted 50/50 with saline. To complete the
cholangiogram, the surgeon uses two 20cc syringes of the 50/50 contrast medium, and two 20cc
syringes of saline. Which of the following is the total amount of contrast medium used during the
procedure? 20cc << correct answer >>The surgical technologist prepared a breast lump to send as a
frozen section to pathology. The surgical technologist should pass off the specimen placed on a
telfa pad. << correct answer >>For which of the following drains is a sterile safety pin used?
Penrose << correct answer >>A surgical technologist (ST) is notified of a burn patient coming
into the OR for a debridement. The ST volunteers to assist in transporting the patient from the patient's
room to the OR with other non-direct health care providers. Before entering the patient's room, the ST
dons a gown, gloves, and mask to retrieve the patient. Why is this the proper protocol? The patient is
under isolation precautions. << correct answer >>When preparing peel pack instruments for steam
sterilization the surgical technologist should inspect the instrument, place an indicator in the package,
and label the package. << correct answer >>The surgical technologist has just completed scrubbing
for a repair of an abdominal aneurysm. The aneurysm repair ruptures during transport from the
operating room bed to the stretcher. Which of the following actions should the surgical technologist
take next? Don new gown and gloves. << correct answer >>Which of the following is a correct date
notation for a sterile package? 164 << correct answer >>If a Frazier suction tip falls on the floor during a
procedure the proper protocol for flash autoclaving the item in a gravity displacement sterilizer is to
flush the lumen and autoclave for 10 minutes at 270 degrees F << correct answer >>If the
surgical technologist's request for an initial count is refused by the circulator due to emergent nature of
a procedure, which of the following is the proper course of action? Continue with subsequent
counts and follow procedure from that point on in the case. << correct answer >>During a laparoscopic
procedure the surgeon decides to convert to open. Which of the following additional supplies and
equipment need to be opened? Lap sponges << correct answer >>The surgical technologist is scrubbed
in on a scheduled breast biopsy with a frozen section. After removing the specimen, the surgeon tags
the specimen with suture at 6 o'clock and passes it to the technologist. Which of the following should
the technologist do first? Ask the surgeon to identify the specimen. << correct answer >>The
surgeon is performing an inguinal herniorraphy procedure and has made the incision and dissected
down a short way into the underlying tissue. Which of the following retractors should the surgical
technologist have ready to pass? Army-Navy << correct answer >>After a surgical procedure,
where should all unused surgical materials be returned to? Central Supply << correct answer >>An
OB-GYN surgeon has posted a laparoscopic partial hysterectomy and has informed the surgical team
that the ovaries are remaining. However, the fallopian tubes will require ligation involving the tubes
being clipped and cauterized. Which of the following instruments should the surgical technologist open?
