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NCCT Surgical Technologist Exam –
Comprehensive Questions, Answers &
Rationales
Exam Coverage Summary
This comprehensive exam covers all major domains of surgical technology practice including:
Perioperative Preparation and Patient Care
• Operating room setup, sterilization methods, and aseptic technique
• Patient positioning, transport, and safety protocols
• Surgical counts, documentation, and incident reporting
Surgical Procedures and Instrumentation
• Specialty instruments for general, orthopedic, neurosurgical, gynecological, and vascular
procedures
• Retractor identification and appropriate use
• Suture materials and wound closure techniques
Sterilization and Infection Control
• Steam sterilization parameters (gravity displacement vs. pre-vacuum)
• Chemical and biological indicators
• Endoscope processing and high-level disinfection
• Immediate-use (flash) sterilization protocols
Emergency Situations and Patient Safety
• Code blue response and intraoperative emergencies
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• Malignant hyperthermia recognition and response
• Fire safety and laser precautions
• Positioning injuries and pressure ulcer prevention
Pharmacology and Solutions
• Medication labeling and verification protocols
• Irrigating solutions and contraindications
• Contrast media and dilutions
Wound Management and Dressing Application
• Secondary intention healing and appropriate dressings
• Pressure dressings and postoperative care
1. During an I&D of a back wound with the patient in the prone position, the anesthesiologist
announces the patient is turning blue and calls a code. Which action should the surgical technologist
take to assist?
A) Assist the surgeon in closing the wound, remove drapes, and flip the patient
B) Cover the wound and remove the Mayo and back table
C) Flip the patient immediately
D) Assist anesthesia with the patient while the surgeon continues surgery
Correct Answer: B) Cover the wound and remove the Mayo and back table
Rationale: The patient's airway is the priority. The wound should be covered and the mayo removed so
the patient can be flipped for anesthesia to manage the airway.
2. Which of the following retractors has sharp disposable inserts that must be disposed of in an
appropriate sharps container following the surgical case?
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A) Mayfield
B) Cloward
C) Bookwalter
D) Greenfield
Correct Answer: A) Mayfield
Rationale: The Mayfield headrest uses sharp pins to stabilize the head, which must be disposed of in a
sharps container post-procedure.
3. After all counts are complete and the incision is closed during a procedure, what should the surgical
technologist have ready for the next step?
A) Wet sponge, Dry sponge, ABD pad
B) Steri-Strips and Dermabond
C) Gauze and tape
D) Wound vacuum and dressing
Correct Answer: A) Wet sponge, Dry sponge, ABD pad
Rationale: The incision must be cleaned with a wet sponge, dried with a dry sponge, and then the ABD
dressing should be applied after cleaning and drying.
4. Which items should the surgical technologist have in the room for an ORIF of an ankle case?
A) Reciprocating saw and Laminectomy tray
B) Extremity pack and Small fragment tray
C) Vascular tray and Laminectomy tray
D) Extremity pack and Reciprocating saw
Correct Answer: B) Extremity pack and Small fragment tray
Rationale: The ORIF involves an ankle fracture requiring an extremity pack. The small fragment tray
contains screws, plates, and drill bits needed for fixation.
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5. In a sterilized package, a chemical indicator is used to:
A) Verify elimination of living flora on the package
B) Confirm that the package was exposed to sterilization
C) Show that no moisture entered the package
D) Ensure that the package is sterile
Correct Answer: B) Confirm that the package was exposed to sterilization
Rationale: Chemical indicators show the package has been exposed to the sterilization process with
proper temperature, humidity, and sterilant. They do not verify sterility itself.
6. When closing fascia after a laparotomy, which suture is the preferred choice?
A) Gore-Tex
B) PDS
C) Plain gut
D) Nurolon
Correct Answer: B) PDS
Rationale: PDS has a longer absorption rate of 183-238 days, making it ideal for slow-healing fascia
tissue.
7. Which items are required in an incident report when a patient falls during transfer?
A) Patient's name and Type of anesthesia used
B) Patient's name, Personnel involved, Location of the incident
C) Type of anesthesia used and Patient's weight
D) Personnel involved and Patient's weight
Correct Answer: B) Patient's name, Personnel involved, Location of the incident
Rationale: Incident reports require patient identification, personnel involved, and location details for
proper documentation.
NCCT Surgical Technologist Exam –
Comprehensive Questions, Answers &
Rationales
Exam Coverage Summary
This comprehensive exam covers all major domains of surgical technology practice including:
Perioperative Preparation and Patient Care
• Operating room setup, sterilization methods, and aseptic technique
• Patient positioning, transport, and safety protocols
• Surgical counts, documentation, and incident reporting
Surgical Procedures and Instrumentation
• Specialty instruments for general, orthopedic, neurosurgical, gynecological, and vascular
procedures
• Retractor identification and appropriate use
• Suture materials and wound closure techniques
Sterilization and Infection Control
• Steam sterilization parameters (gravity displacement vs. pre-vacuum)
• Chemical and biological indicators
• Endoscope processing and high-level disinfection
• Immediate-use (flash) sterilization protocols
Emergency Situations and Patient Safety
• Code blue response and intraoperative emergencies
,2|Page
• Malignant hyperthermia recognition and response
• Fire safety and laser precautions
• Positioning injuries and pressure ulcer prevention
Pharmacology and Solutions
• Medication labeling and verification protocols
• Irrigating solutions and contraindications
• Contrast media and dilutions
Wound Management and Dressing Application
• Secondary intention healing and appropriate dressings
• Pressure dressings and postoperative care
1. During an I&D of a back wound with the patient in the prone position, the anesthesiologist
announces the patient is turning blue and calls a code. Which action should the surgical technologist
take to assist?
A) Assist the surgeon in closing the wound, remove drapes, and flip the patient
B) Cover the wound and remove the Mayo and back table
C) Flip the patient immediately
D) Assist anesthesia with the patient while the surgeon continues surgery
Correct Answer: B) Cover the wound and remove the Mayo and back table
Rationale: The patient's airway is the priority. The wound should be covered and the mayo removed so
the patient can be flipped for anesthesia to manage the airway.
2. Which of the following retractors has sharp disposable inserts that must be disposed of in an
appropriate sharps container following the surgical case?
,3|Page
A) Mayfield
B) Cloward
C) Bookwalter
D) Greenfield
Correct Answer: A) Mayfield
Rationale: The Mayfield headrest uses sharp pins to stabilize the head, which must be disposed of in a
sharps container post-procedure.
3. After all counts are complete and the incision is closed during a procedure, what should the surgical
technologist have ready for the next step?
A) Wet sponge, Dry sponge, ABD pad
B) Steri-Strips and Dermabond
C) Gauze and tape
D) Wound vacuum and dressing
Correct Answer: A) Wet sponge, Dry sponge, ABD pad
Rationale: The incision must be cleaned with a wet sponge, dried with a dry sponge, and then the ABD
dressing should be applied after cleaning and drying.
4. Which items should the surgical technologist have in the room for an ORIF of an ankle case?
A) Reciprocating saw and Laminectomy tray
B) Extremity pack and Small fragment tray
C) Vascular tray and Laminectomy tray
D) Extremity pack and Reciprocating saw
Correct Answer: B) Extremity pack and Small fragment tray
Rationale: The ORIF involves an ankle fracture requiring an extremity pack. The small fragment tray
contains screws, plates, and drill bits needed for fixation.
, 4|Page
5. In a sterilized package, a chemical indicator is used to:
A) Verify elimination of living flora on the package
B) Confirm that the package was exposed to sterilization
C) Show that no moisture entered the package
D) Ensure that the package is sterile
Correct Answer: B) Confirm that the package was exposed to sterilization
Rationale: Chemical indicators show the package has been exposed to the sterilization process with
proper temperature, humidity, and sterilant. They do not verify sterility itself.
6. When closing fascia after a laparotomy, which suture is the preferred choice?
A) Gore-Tex
B) PDS
C) Plain gut
D) Nurolon
Correct Answer: B) PDS
Rationale: PDS has a longer absorption rate of 183-238 days, making it ideal for slow-healing fascia
tissue.
7. Which items are required in an incident report when a patient falls during transfer?
A) Patient's name and Type of anesthesia used
B) Patient's name, Personnel involved, Location of the incident
C) Type of anesthesia used and Patient's weight
D) Personnel involved and Patient's weight
Correct Answer: B) Patient's name, Personnel involved, Location of the incident
Rationale: Incident reports require patient identification, personnel involved, and location details for
proper documentation.
