1
NBSTSA CST COMPLETE EXAM PREP – CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Actual Questions and Verified Answers | Newest Update | Graded A+
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Questions
I Perioperative Care – Preoperative Preparation 1–25
II Perioperative Care – Intraoperative Procedures 26–75
III Perioperative Care – Postoperative Procedures 76–85
IV Ancillary Duties – Administrative & Personnel 86–95
V Ancillary Duties – Equipment Sterilization & Maintenance 96–110
VI Basic Science – Anatomy & Physiology 111–130
VII Basic Science – Microbiology 131–140
VIII Basic Science – Surgical Pharmacology 141–150
SECTION I: PERIOPERATIVE CARE – PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION (Questions 1–
25)
Question 1
A 76-year-old patient with a history of COPD is scheduled for an open cholecystectomy. During
,2
the preoperative assessment, the surgical technologist should prioritize which of the following
interventions to minimize postoperative pulmonary complications?
A) Administer preoperative prophylactic antibiotics
B) Ensure the patient is positioned in the Trendelenburg position during transport
C) Coordinate with the anesthesia provider for bronchodilator therapy and encourage
incentive spirometry education
D) Restrict all oral fluids for 24 hours prior to surgery
CorreCt answer : C
Rationale: Patients with COPD are at increased risk for postoperative pulmonary
complications. Bronchodilator therapy and incentive spirometry education are critical
preoperative interventions to optimize pulmonary function. Antibiotics are not routinely
administered preoperatively without specific indication, Trendelenburg positioning would
impair respiration, and 24-hour fluid restriction is excessive and dangerous.
Question 2
During the surgical hand scrub, which of the following actions represents a breach in aseptic
technique?
A) Keeping the hands elevated above the elbows throughout the scrub
B) Using a brush to clean under the fingernails
C) Allowing water to run from the hands toward the elbows
D) Scrubbing for the manufacturer-recommended duration
CorreCt answer : C
Rationale: During the surgical hand scrub, water must run from the hands down to the
elbows, not from the elbows to the hands. Allowing water to run from hands toward elbows
would allow contaminated water from the hands to flow over cleaner areas, violating aseptic
technique. Hands should be elevated above elbows so water drains away from the surgical field.
Question 3
The surgical technologist is preparing the operating room for a total hip arthroplasty. Which of
the following positioning devices should be anticipated for this procedure?
,3
A) Andrews frame
B) Fracture table with perineal post
C) Wilson frame
D) Knee crutch attachment
CorreCt answer : B
Rationale: A fracture table with a perineal post is used for total hip arthroplasty to provide
traction and stabilize the femur during the procedure. The Andrews frame is used for knee
arthroscopy, the Wilson frame for lumbar spine procedures, and knee crutch attachments are
used for various lower extremity procedures.
Question 4
The surgical technologist is reviewing the surgeon's preference card and notes that a specific
type of suture is listed. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action regarding the
preference card?
A) Memorize the preference card and discard it
B) Verify the availability of all items listed and set up according to the card
C) Modify the preference card based on personal experience without consulting the surgeon
D) Ignore the preference card if the surgical technologist has performed the procedure
before
CorreCt answer : B
Rationale: Reviewing the surgeon's preference card and verifying availability of all instruments
and supplies is a critical preoperative responsibility. The preference card ensures all necessary
items are available and the setup meets the surgeon's specific requirements. Modifying the card
without consultation or ignoring it would compromise patient safety and surgical efficiency.
Question 5
A patient with a documented allergy to latex is scheduled for surgery. Which preoperative
action is MOST critical to prevent an adverse reaction?
A) Administer diphenhydramine preoperatively
B) Ensure all latex-containing products are removed from the operating room and a latex-
safe protocol is implemented
, 4
C) Apply a sterile latex glove over a non-latex glove for double-gloving
D) Use only powdered gloves to minimize skin contact
CorreCt answer : B
Rationale: For patients with latex allergy, complete removal of latex-containing products from
the OR and implementation of a latex-safe protocol is essential. Double-gloving with latex over
non-latex would still expose the patient to latex. Powdered gloves are contraindicated as the
powder can carry latex proteins.
Question 6
During the preoperative verification process, the surgical technologist participates in the
Universal Protocol Time Out. Which element is NOT part of the Time Out procedure?
A) Patient identity verification
B) Surgical site marking verification
C) Discussion of the surgical team's personal schedules
D) Confirmation of the procedure to be performed
CorreCt answer : C
Rationale: The Universal Protocol Time Out includes verification of patient identity, surgical
site marking, and the procedure to be performed. Discussion of personal schedules is not part
of the Time Out and would be inappropriate and distracting during this critical safety check.
Question 7
The surgical technologist is performing a surgical hand scrub using the waterless alcohol-based
product. Which statement regarding this method is CORRECT?
A) The waterless scrub requires running water and friction for 5 minutes
B) The waterless scrub should be performed with a brush for maximum efficacy
C) The waterless scrub requires following the manufacturer's instructions for application
and drying time
D) The waterless scrub is less effective than the traditional scrub
CorreCt answer : C
NBSTSA CST COMPLETE EXAM PREP – CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
Actual Questions and Verified Answers | Newest Update | Graded A+
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Questions
I Perioperative Care – Preoperative Preparation 1–25
II Perioperative Care – Intraoperative Procedures 26–75
III Perioperative Care – Postoperative Procedures 76–85
IV Ancillary Duties – Administrative & Personnel 86–95
V Ancillary Duties – Equipment Sterilization & Maintenance 96–110
VI Basic Science – Anatomy & Physiology 111–130
VII Basic Science – Microbiology 131–140
VIII Basic Science – Surgical Pharmacology 141–150
SECTION I: PERIOPERATIVE CARE – PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION (Questions 1–
25)
Question 1
A 76-year-old patient with a history of COPD is scheduled for an open cholecystectomy. During
,2
the preoperative assessment, the surgical technologist should prioritize which of the following
interventions to minimize postoperative pulmonary complications?
A) Administer preoperative prophylactic antibiotics
B) Ensure the patient is positioned in the Trendelenburg position during transport
C) Coordinate with the anesthesia provider for bronchodilator therapy and encourage
incentive spirometry education
D) Restrict all oral fluids for 24 hours prior to surgery
CorreCt answer : C
Rationale: Patients with COPD are at increased risk for postoperative pulmonary
complications. Bronchodilator therapy and incentive spirometry education are critical
preoperative interventions to optimize pulmonary function. Antibiotics are not routinely
administered preoperatively without specific indication, Trendelenburg positioning would
impair respiration, and 24-hour fluid restriction is excessive and dangerous.
Question 2
During the surgical hand scrub, which of the following actions represents a breach in aseptic
technique?
A) Keeping the hands elevated above the elbows throughout the scrub
B) Using a brush to clean under the fingernails
C) Allowing water to run from the hands toward the elbows
D) Scrubbing for the manufacturer-recommended duration
CorreCt answer : C
Rationale: During the surgical hand scrub, water must run from the hands down to the
elbows, not from the elbows to the hands. Allowing water to run from hands toward elbows
would allow contaminated water from the hands to flow over cleaner areas, violating aseptic
technique. Hands should be elevated above elbows so water drains away from the surgical field.
Question 3
The surgical technologist is preparing the operating room for a total hip arthroplasty. Which of
the following positioning devices should be anticipated for this procedure?
,3
A) Andrews frame
B) Fracture table with perineal post
C) Wilson frame
D) Knee crutch attachment
CorreCt answer : B
Rationale: A fracture table with a perineal post is used for total hip arthroplasty to provide
traction and stabilize the femur during the procedure. The Andrews frame is used for knee
arthroscopy, the Wilson frame for lumbar spine procedures, and knee crutch attachments are
used for various lower extremity procedures.
Question 4
The surgical technologist is reviewing the surgeon's preference card and notes that a specific
type of suture is listed. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate action regarding the
preference card?
A) Memorize the preference card and discard it
B) Verify the availability of all items listed and set up according to the card
C) Modify the preference card based on personal experience without consulting the surgeon
D) Ignore the preference card if the surgical technologist has performed the procedure
before
CorreCt answer : B
Rationale: Reviewing the surgeon's preference card and verifying availability of all instruments
and supplies is a critical preoperative responsibility. The preference card ensures all necessary
items are available and the setup meets the surgeon's specific requirements. Modifying the card
without consultation or ignoring it would compromise patient safety and surgical efficiency.
Question 5
A patient with a documented allergy to latex is scheduled for surgery. Which preoperative
action is MOST critical to prevent an adverse reaction?
A) Administer diphenhydramine preoperatively
B) Ensure all latex-containing products are removed from the operating room and a latex-
safe protocol is implemented
, 4
C) Apply a sterile latex glove over a non-latex glove for double-gloving
D) Use only powdered gloves to minimize skin contact
CorreCt answer : B
Rationale: For patients with latex allergy, complete removal of latex-containing products from
the OR and implementation of a latex-safe protocol is essential. Double-gloving with latex over
non-latex would still expose the patient to latex. Powdered gloves are contraindicated as the
powder can carry latex proteins.
Question 6
During the preoperative verification process, the surgical technologist participates in the
Universal Protocol Time Out. Which element is NOT part of the Time Out procedure?
A) Patient identity verification
B) Surgical site marking verification
C) Discussion of the surgical team's personal schedules
D) Confirmation of the procedure to be performed
CorreCt answer : C
Rationale: The Universal Protocol Time Out includes verification of patient identity, surgical
site marking, and the procedure to be performed. Discussion of personal schedules is not part
of the Time Out and would be inappropriate and distracting during this critical safety check.
Question 7
The surgical technologist is performing a surgical hand scrub using the waterless alcohol-based
product. Which statement regarding this method is CORRECT?
A) The waterless scrub requires running water and friction for 5 minutes
B) The waterless scrub should be performed with a brush for maximum efficacy
C) The waterless scrub requires following the manufacturer's instructions for application
and drying time
D) The waterless scrub is less effective than the traditional scrub
CorreCt answer : C
