NBSTSA CST CERTIFICATION 4 CERTIFICATION
EVALUATION EXAMS 2026 SOLVED
QUESTIONS WITH FULL SOLUTION
◉ What credential does a student hold after graduating from a
CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program and passing the
national exam?
Answer: CST
◉ What is the most likely outcome if a surgical technology program
has significant curriculum deficiencies?
Answer: Probation, suspension, or revocation by ARCSTSA to
CAAHEP
◉ What does the CFA credential require in New Jersey?
Answer: CFA is not recognized in NY, NJ, or PA and is only valid in
private practices in those states
◉ What is the difference between AST's role and CAAHEP's role in
surgical technology education?
Answer: AST sets what the curriculum should contain; CAAHEP
enforces the standards
,◉ What should a CST do if their gown sleeve brushes a non-sterile IV
pole during a laparotomy?
Answer: The CST must be re-gowned and re-gloved immediately
◉ What should a CST do if a suture lands partially outside the sterile
field?
Answer: Discard the suture; it is contaminated and cannot be used
◉ Who is considered non-sterile in the operating room?
Answer: Anesthesiologist
◉ What is true about the X-ray technician entering the OR?
Answer: The X-ray technician is non-sterile; the X-ray equipment is
wrapped in sterile covers
◉ What is the correct gloving technique for the first pair of gloves
after the surgical scrub?
Answer: Closed glove technique, using the gown cuffs as a barrier
◉ What legal concept is violated if a CST makes an incision during
surgery?
Answer: CST scope of practice - cutting tissue is prohibited
, ◉ What should a CST do if a sponge count at wound closure is
incorrect?
Answer: Report the discrepancy to the circulator and document; do
not close until resolved per policy
◉ What distinguishes an intentional tort from an unintentional tort
in the OR?
Answer: Intentional torts involve willful civil rights violations;
unintentional torts involve negligence
◉ What legal concept is at risk if a CST overhears a colleague
discussing a patient's case inappropriately?
Answer: HIPAA violation and potential defamation of character
◉ What consent principle is violated if a patient is given IV Versed
before signing the consent form?
Answer: Informed consent; a patient under the influence cannot give
valid informed consent
◉ What is the correct course of action if a couple presents for a
bilateral tubal ligation and the sterilization consent was signed 35
days ago?
Answer: The procedure CANNOT be performed; the sterilization
consent has expired
EVALUATION EXAMS 2026 SOLVED
QUESTIONS WITH FULL SOLUTION
◉ What credential does a student hold after graduating from a
CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program and passing the
national exam?
Answer: CST
◉ What is the most likely outcome if a surgical technology program
has significant curriculum deficiencies?
Answer: Probation, suspension, or revocation by ARCSTSA to
CAAHEP
◉ What does the CFA credential require in New Jersey?
Answer: CFA is not recognized in NY, NJ, or PA and is only valid in
private practices in those states
◉ What is the difference between AST's role and CAAHEP's role in
surgical technology education?
Answer: AST sets what the curriculum should contain; CAAHEP
enforces the standards
,◉ What should a CST do if their gown sleeve brushes a non-sterile IV
pole during a laparotomy?
Answer: The CST must be re-gowned and re-gloved immediately
◉ What should a CST do if a suture lands partially outside the sterile
field?
Answer: Discard the suture; it is contaminated and cannot be used
◉ Who is considered non-sterile in the operating room?
Answer: Anesthesiologist
◉ What is true about the X-ray technician entering the OR?
Answer: The X-ray technician is non-sterile; the X-ray equipment is
wrapped in sterile covers
◉ What is the correct gloving technique for the first pair of gloves
after the surgical scrub?
Answer: Closed glove technique, using the gown cuffs as a barrier
◉ What legal concept is violated if a CST makes an incision during
surgery?
Answer: CST scope of practice - cutting tissue is prohibited
, ◉ What should a CST do if a sponge count at wound closure is
incorrect?
Answer: Report the discrepancy to the circulator and document; do
not close until resolved per policy
◉ What distinguishes an intentional tort from an unintentional tort
in the OR?
Answer: Intentional torts involve willful civil rights violations;
unintentional torts involve negligence
◉ What legal concept is at risk if a CST overhears a colleague
discussing a patient's case inappropriately?
Answer: HIPAA violation and potential defamation of character
◉ What consent principle is violated if a patient is given IV Versed
before signing the consent form?
Answer: Informed consent; a patient under the influence cannot give
valid informed consent
◉ What is the correct course of action if a couple presents for a
bilateral tubal ligation and the sterilization consent was signed 35
days ago?
Answer: The procedure CANNOT be performed; the sterilization
consent has expired
