NCCT SURGICAL TECH EXAM REVIEW – TECH IN SURGERY –
CERTIFIED (TS-C) PRACTICE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Perioperative Care and Preparation
Preoperative Care and Preparation
Intraoperative Care and Preparation
Postoperative Care and End of Procedure Tasks
Sterile Technique and Aseptic Practice
Instrumentation, Sutures, and Supplies
Anatomy and Physiology
Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Environmental Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Communication, Documentation, and Professional Standards
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for candidates
preparing for the NCCT Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) Examination.
The exam assesses foundational and applied knowledge across the full
spectrum of surgical technology practice, including perioperative patient
care, sterile technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures across
specialties, pharmacology, and professional standards. Emphasis is placed
on understanding aseptic principles, anticipating surgeon needs,
maintaining patient safety, and executing critical tasks before, during, and
after surgical procedures. The 100 multiple-choice questions are
structured to evaluate critical thinking, practical problem-solving, and the
ability to apply technical knowledge to real-world surgical scenarios. Each
question is accompanied by a detailed rationale to reinforce learning and
clarify the underlying principles. This review serves as an essential tool for
examination preparation and professional practice in the surgical
technology field.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. The surgical technologist is preparing the sterile field for a
procedure. Which of the following actions represents a break in
sterile technique?
A. Opening sterile supplies 30 minutes before the procedure
B. Placing sterile items within 1 inch of the edge of the sterile field
C. Keeping the sterile field dry
D. Discarding any sterile package with a compromised seal
B. Placing sterile items within 1 inch of the edge of the sterile field
RATIONALE: The 1-inch border around the edge of the sterile field is
considered non-sterile. Any item placed within this margin is
contaminated. Sterile supplies should be opened immediately before
the procedure, kept dry, and any compromised package should be
discarded.
2. During a surgical count, the circulating nurse and surgical
technologist note that there are 12 Raytec sponges in a package
instead of the standard 10. What is the correct action?
A. Count all 12 sponges and document the extra quantity
B. Discard the entire package and open a new one
C. Use the package and document the count as 12
D. Remove two sponges and count the remaining 10
A. Count all 12 sponges and document the extra quantity
RATIONALE: When a package contains an unexpected number of
items, the correct action is to count all items present and document the
actual count on the count sheet. Discarding the package or removing
items would create a discrepancy and potential safety hazard.
3. Which of the following is the correct sequence for performing a
surgical hand scrub?
,A. Hands, wrists, forearms – scrub each section for 2 minutes
B. Forearms, wrists, hands – scrub each section for 2 minutes
C. Wrists, hands, forearms – scrub each section for 1 minute
D. Hands only – scrub for 5 minutes
B. Forearms, wrists, hands – scrub each section for 2 minutes
RATIONALE: The proper sequence for a surgical hand scrub is to
start at the fingertips and work toward the elbows, scrubbing each
section (hands, wrists, forearms) for the recommended time. This
ensures that contaminated areas are not carried to cleaner areas.
4. A patient is scheduled for a total knee arthroplasty. Which
positioning device is most appropriate for this procedure?
A. Wilson frame
B. Bean bag
C. Knee positioner
D. Andrews frame
C. Knee positioner
RATIONALE: A knee positioner is used to stabilize the operative leg
during total knee arthroplasty, allowing for proper exposure and joint
manipulation. A Wilson frame is used for spinal procedures; a bean bag
is for lateral positioning; an Andrews frame is for shoulder procedures.
5. During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon requests a
30-degree laparoscope. What is the primary advantage of using an
angled laparoscope?
A. It provides a wider field of view
B. It allows visualization around corners and structures
C. It reduces the number of required incisions
D. It provides better magnification
B. It allows visualization around corners and structures
, RATIONALE: An angled (30-degree) laparoscope allows the surgeon
to visualize around corners and anatomical structures by rotating the
scope, providing improved visualization of the gallbladder neck and
cystic duct. It does not widen the field, reduce incisions, or provide
magnification.
6. The surgical technologist is preparing a sterile field and notices
that the outer wrapper of a sterile package is wet. What is the
appropriate action?
A. Use the contents since the inner wrapper is dry
B. Discard the entire package as unsterile
C. Dry the outer wrapper with a sterile towel
D. Open the package carefully and use the contents
B. Discard the entire package as unsterile
RATIONALE: A wet outer wrapper indicates that the package may
have been contaminated by moisture wicking, which compromises the
sterility of the contents. The entire package must be discarded and a
new sterile item obtained.
7. Which of the following is a Class I (clean) surgical wound
according to the CDC wound classification system?
A. A wound resulting from a traumatic injury
B. An incision made under sterile conditions with no inflammation
C. A wound involving the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract
D. A wound with visible contamination or foreign material
B. An incision made under sterile conditions with no inflammation
RATIONALE: Class I (clean) wounds are uninfected operative
wounds with no inflammation, made under sterile conditions, and do not
involve the respiratory, alimentary, or genitourinary tracts. Traumatic
wounds are Class III or IV; respiratory/GI involvement is Class II.
CERTIFIED (TS-C) PRACTICE EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Perioperative Care and Preparation
Preoperative Care and Preparation
Intraoperative Care and Preparation
Postoperative Care and End of Procedure Tasks
Sterile Technique and Aseptic Practice
Instrumentation, Sutures, and Supplies
Anatomy and Physiology
Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Environmental Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Communication, Documentation, and Professional Standards
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for candidates
preparing for the NCCT Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) Examination.
The exam assesses foundational and applied knowledge across the full
spectrum of surgical technology practice, including perioperative patient
care, sterile technique, instrumentation, surgical procedures across
specialties, pharmacology, and professional standards. Emphasis is placed
on understanding aseptic principles, anticipating surgeon needs,
maintaining patient safety, and executing critical tasks before, during, and
after surgical procedures. The 100 multiple-choice questions are
structured to evaluate critical thinking, practical problem-solving, and the
ability to apply technical knowledge to real-world surgical scenarios. Each
question is accompanied by a detailed rationale to reinforce learning and
clarify the underlying principles. This review serves as an essential tool for
examination preparation and professional practice in the surgical
technology field.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. The surgical technologist is preparing the sterile field for a
procedure. Which of the following actions represents a break in
sterile technique?
A. Opening sterile supplies 30 minutes before the procedure
B. Placing sterile items within 1 inch of the edge of the sterile field
C. Keeping the sterile field dry
D. Discarding any sterile package with a compromised seal
B. Placing sterile items within 1 inch of the edge of the sterile field
RATIONALE: The 1-inch border around the edge of the sterile field is
considered non-sterile. Any item placed within this margin is
contaminated. Sterile supplies should be opened immediately before
the procedure, kept dry, and any compromised package should be
discarded.
2. During a surgical count, the circulating nurse and surgical
technologist note that there are 12 Raytec sponges in a package
instead of the standard 10. What is the correct action?
A. Count all 12 sponges and document the extra quantity
B. Discard the entire package and open a new one
C. Use the package and document the count as 12
D. Remove two sponges and count the remaining 10
A. Count all 12 sponges and document the extra quantity
RATIONALE: When a package contains an unexpected number of
items, the correct action is to count all items present and document the
actual count on the count sheet. Discarding the package or removing
items would create a discrepancy and potential safety hazard.
3. Which of the following is the correct sequence for performing a
surgical hand scrub?
,A. Hands, wrists, forearms – scrub each section for 2 minutes
B. Forearms, wrists, hands – scrub each section for 2 minutes
C. Wrists, hands, forearms – scrub each section for 1 minute
D. Hands only – scrub for 5 minutes
B. Forearms, wrists, hands – scrub each section for 2 minutes
RATIONALE: The proper sequence for a surgical hand scrub is to
start at the fingertips and work toward the elbows, scrubbing each
section (hands, wrists, forearms) for the recommended time. This
ensures that contaminated areas are not carried to cleaner areas.
4. A patient is scheduled for a total knee arthroplasty. Which
positioning device is most appropriate for this procedure?
A. Wilson frame
B. Bean bag
C. Knee positioner
D. Andrews frame
C. Knee positioner
RATIONALE: A knee positioner is used to stabilize the operative leg
during total knee arthroplasty, allowing for proper exposure and joint
manipulation. A Wilson frame is used for spinal procedures; a bean bag
is for lateral positioning; an Andrews frame is for shoulder procedures.
5. During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon requests a
30-degree laparoscope. What is the primary advantage of using an
angled laparoscope?
A. It provides a wider field of view
B. It allows visualization around corners and structures
C. It reduces the number of required incisions
D. It provides better magnification
B. It allows visualization around corners and structures
, RATIONALE: An angled (30-degree) laparoscope allows the surgeon
to visualize around corners and anatomical structures by rotating the
scope, providing improved visualization of the gallbladder neck and
cystic duct. It does not widen the field, reduce incisions, or provide
magnification.
6. The surgical technologist is preparing a sterile field and notices
that the outer wrapper of a sterile package is wet. What is the
appropriate action?
A. Use the contents since the inner wrapper is dry
B. Discard the entire package as unsterile
C. Dry the outer wrapper with a sterile towel
D. Open the package carefully and use the contents
B. Discard the entire package as unsterile
RATIONALE: A wet outer wrapper indicates that the package may
have been contaminated by moisture wicking, which compromises the
sterility of the contents. The entire package must be discarded and a
new sterile item obtained.
7. Which of the following is a Class I (clean) surgical wound
according to the CDC wound classification system?
A. A wound resulting from a traumatic injury
B. An incision made under sterile conditions with no inflammation
C. A wound involving the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract
D. A wound with visible contamination or foreign material
B. An incision made under sterile conditions with no inflammation
RATIONALE: Class I (clean) wounds are uninfected operative
wounds with no inflammation, made under sterile conditions, and do not
involve the respiratory, alimentary, or genitourinary tracts. Traumatic
wounds are Class III or IV; respiratory/GI involvement is Class II.
