NCCT SURGICAL TECH (TS-C) EXAM
2026-2027 Complete Practice Questions
Verified Answers with Detailed Rationales
Acing your national board credentialing is simple
with this comprehensive 2026 study guide for the
NCCT Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) examination.
This targeted resource delivers high-yield multiple-
choice questions matching the National Center for
Competency Testing blueprint, including detailed
rationales for sterile processing, intraoperative
instrumentation, and surgical pharmacology. Master
critical case-management setups and patient-safety
protocols to secure your certification on the first
attempt.
1. The surgical technologist has just handed the surgeon a 2-0 Silk
suture. Which of the following scissors should the surgical
technologist have ready?
A. Metzenbaum scissors
B. Curved Mayo scissors
C. Straight Mayo scissors
D. Iris scissors
Answer: C
,Rationale: Straight Mayo scissors should be ready when handing the
surgeon a 2-0 Silk suture for cutting the suture material. These scissors are
specifically designed for cutting heavy tissue and suture .
2. An 85-year-old patient is in the operating room under general
anesthesia for a right hip arthroplasty. Which of the following will best
help to prevent perioperative positioning injuries?
A. Use of a positioning device only
B. Ensure all bony prominences are sufficiently padded
C. Limit the time in the surgical position
D. Use a smaller operating table
Answer: B
Rationale: Ensuring all bony prominences are sufficiently padded is the most
effective way to prevent perioperative positioning injuries in elderly patients,
who are at increased risk for pressure injuries due to decreased tissue
elasticity and subcutaneous fat .
3. Which of the following is a passive drain?
A. Jackson-Pratt drain
B. Penrose drain
C. Hemovac drain
D. Chest tube
*Answer: B
Rationale: A Penrose drain is a passive drain that relies on gravity and
capillary action to drain fluid. Jackson-Pratt and Hemovac drains are active
drains that use suction .
,4. The surgeon is performing an inguinal herniorrhaphy and has made
the incision and dissected into the underlying tissue. Which retractor
should the surgical technologist have ready to pass?
A. Balfour retractor
B. Army-Navy retractor
C. Deaver retractor
D. Richardson retractor
*Answer: B
Rationale: The Army-Navy retractor is appropriate for an inguinal
herniorrhaphy procedure, providing adequate exposure for superficial
dissection in the inguinal area .
5. The circulating nurse notices active bleeding from one of the
operative sites and the surgeon has left the room. What action should
the surgical technologist take?
A. Leave the room to find the surgeon
B. Remain in gown and gloves and apply pressure
C. Remove gloves and assist the circulator
D. Call for help from the hallway
*Answer: B
Rationale: The surgical technologist should remain in gown and gloves and
apply pressure to control bleeding until the surgeon returns. This maintains
the sterile field while addressing the emergency .
, 6. A tornado warning is in effect and power has been switched to the
generator. A surgical procedure is in progress. What is the best course
of action to ensure patient safety?
A. Immediately evacuate the patient to the preoperative holding area
B. Finish the procedure and evacuate the patient
C. Place wet towels under the door and finish the procedure
D. Cover the back table until the storm passes
*Answer: B
Rationale: During a tornado warning with a procedure in progress, the best
course of action is to finish the procedure and evacuate the patient to a safe
area. This prioritizes patient safety while completing the surgical intervention
.
7. A patient has a latex allergy and is scheduled for an abdominal
hysterectomy. Which catheter should be used?
A. Foley catheter
B. Silicone retention catheter
C. Latex-free Foley catheter
D. Coude catheter
*Answer: B
Rationale: For a patient with a latex allergy, a silicone retention catheter
should be used to prevent an allergic reaction. Silicone catheters are latex-
free and safe for patients with latex allergies .
8. The patient is undergoing cardiothoracic surgery in the Sims
position. Which action prevents brachial plexus injury?
A. Place the arms extended above the head
2026-2027 Complete Practice Questions
Verified Answers with Detailed Rationales
Acing your national board credentialing is simple
with this comprehensive 2026 study guide for the
NCCT Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) examination.
This targeted resource delivers high-yield multiple-
choice questions matching the National Center for
Competency Testing blueprint, including detailed
rationales for sterile processing, intraoperative
instrumentation, and surgical pharmacology. Master
critical case-management setups and patient-safety
protocols to secure your certification on the first
attempt.
1. The surgical technologist has just handed the surgeon a 2-0 Silk
suture. Which of the following scissors should the surgical
technologist have ready?
A. Metzenbaum scissors
B. Curved Mayo scissors
C. Straight Mayo scissors
D. Iris scissors
Answer: C
,Rationale: Straight Mayo scissors should be ready when handing the
surgeon a 2-0 Silk suture for cutting the suture material. These scissors are
specifically designed for cutting heavy tissue and suture .
2. An 85-year-old patient is in the operating room under general
anesthesia for a right hip arthroplasty. Which of the following will best
help to prevent perioperative positioning injuries?
A. Use of a positioning device only
B. Ensure all bony prominences are sufficiently padded
C. Limit the time in the surgical position
D. Use a smaller operating table
Answer: B
Rationale: Ensuring all bony prominences are sufficiently padded is the most
effective way to prevent perioperative positioning injuries in elderly patients,
who are at increased risk for pressure injuries due to decreased tissue
elasticity and subcutaneous fat .
3. Which of the following is a passive drain?
A. Jackson-Pratt drain
B. Penrose drain
C. Hemovac drain
D. Chest tube
*Answer: B
Rationale: A Penrose drain is a passive drain that relies on gravity and
capillary action to drain fluid. Jackson-Pratt and Hemovac drains are active
drains that use suction .
,4. The surgeon is performing an inguinal herniorrhaphy and has made
the incision and dissected into the underlying tissue. Which retractor
should the surgical technologist have ready to pass?
A. Balfour retractor
B. Army-Navy retractor
C. Deaver retractor
D. Richardson retractor
*Answer: B
Rationale: The Army-Navy retractor is appropriate for an inguinal
herniorrhaphy procedure, providing adequate exposure for superficial
dissection in the inguinal area .
5. The circulating nurse notices active bleeding from one of the
operative sites and the surgeon has left the room. What action should
the surgical technologist take?
A. Leave the room to find the surgeon
B. Remain in gown and gloves and apply pressure
C. Remove gloves and assist the circulator
D. Call for help from the hallway
*Answer: B
Rationale: The surgical technologist should remain in gown and gloves and
apply pressure to control bleeding until the surgeon returns. This maintains
the sterile field while addressing the emergency .
, 6. A tornado warning is in effect and power has been switched to the
generator. A surgical procedure is in progress. What is the best course
of action to ensure patient safety?
A. Immediately evacuate the patient to the preoperative holding area
B. Finish the procedure and evacuate the patient
C. Place wet towels under the door and finish the procedure
D. Cover the back table until the storm passes
*Answer: B
Rationale: During a tornado warning with a procedure in progress, the best
course of action is to finish the procedure and evacuate the patient to a safe
area. This prioritizes patient safety while completing the surgical intervention
.
7. A patient has a latex allergy and is scheduled for an abdominal
hysterectomy. Which catheter should be used?
A. Foley catheter
B. Silicone retention catheter
C. Latex-free Foley catheter
D. Coude catheter
*Answer: B
Rationale: For a patient with a latex allergy, a silicone retention catheter
should be used to prevent an allergic reaction. Silicone catheters are latex-
free and safe for patients with latex allergies .
8. The patient is undergoing cardiothoracic surgery in the Sims
position. Which action prevents brachial plexus injury?
A. Place the arms extended above the head
