CST CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST EXAM TEST
BANK 3 2026/2027 | QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS |
NBSTSA CERTIFICATION PREP | PASS GUARANTEED - A+
GRADED QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Preoperative Preparation
• Intraoperative Procedures
• Postoperative Procedures
• Administrative and Personnel
• Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology and Infection Control
• Surgical Pharmacology
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the surgical technologist's
mastery of perioperative care, ancillary duties, and basic science
concepts essential for safe surgical practice. The exam evaluates
foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory
compliance, and ethical standards through multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions. Emphasis is placed on real-world
application and critical decision-making, requiring the candidate to
synthesize complex surgical principles across diverse procedures and
,specialties. The assessment mirrors the rigor and blueprint of the
NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist examination.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
Which of the following is the primary purpose of surgical aseptic
technique?
A. To reduce bacteria on the skin
B. To eliminate all microorganisms, including spores, from objects
C. To prevent contamination of the surgical wound
D. To sterilize instruments after surgery
C
RATIONALE: Surgical aseptic technique is designed to prevent
contamination of the surgical wound by maintaining a sterile field
and preventing microorganisms from entering the surgical site.
Question 2
A surgical technologist is preparing the operating room for a
procedure. Which of the following should be completed first?
A. Open sterile supplies onto the back table
B. Perform the surgical hand scrub
C. Verify the surgeon's preference card and gather necessary
supplies
D. Position the patient on the operating table
, C
RATIONALE: The first step in preoperative preparation is to
review the surgeon's preference card to verify equipment and supply
availability before any sterile setup begins.
Question 3
Which type of suture needle is best suited for suturing fascia?
A. Taper point needle
B. Cutting needle
C. Blunt needle
D. Reverse cutting needle
A
RATIONALE: Taper point needles are designed for soft, easily
penetrated tissues such as fascia, bowel, and peritoneum, where the
needle spreads tissue rather than cutting it.
Question 4
A surgical technologist is passing instruments during a laparoscopic
cholecystectomy. Which instrument is used to grasp the gallbladder
during dissection?
A. Babcock forceps
B. Kocher clamp
C. Allis clamp
D. DeBakey forceps
, A
RATIONALE: Babcock forceps are atraumatic grasping forceps
used to hold the gallbladder during laparoscopic dissection without
causing tissue damage.
Question 5
Which of the following is a Category A bioterrorism agent that
poses a high risk to national security due to ease of dissemination
and high mortality?
A. Salmonella
B. Anthrax
C. E. coli
D. Influenza
B
RATIONALE: Anthrax is classified as a Category A bioterrorism
agent, posing a high risk due to its ease of dissemination and high
mortality rate.
Question 6
A surgical technologist is preparing instruments for sterilization.
Which of the following is the correct method for sterilizing
unwrapped instruments for immediate use?
A. Autoclave at 250°F for 3 minutes
B. Flash sterilization at 270°F for 3 minutes
BANK 3 2026/2027 | QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS |
NBSTSA CERTIFICATION PREP | PASS GUARANTEED - A+
GRADED QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Preoperative Preparation
• Intraoperative Procedures
• Postoperative Procedures
• Administrative and Personnel
• Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology and Infection Control
• Surgical Pharmacology
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses the surgical technologist's
mastery of perioperative care, ancillary duties, and basic science
concepts essential for safe surgical practice. The exam evaluates
foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory
compliance, and ethical standards through multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions. Emphasis is placed on real-world
application and critical decision-making, requiring the candidate to
synthesize complex surgical principles across diverse procedures and
,specialties. The assessment mirrors the rigor and blueprint of the
NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist examination.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
Which of the following is the primary purpose of surgical aseptic
technique?
A. To reduce bacteria on the skin
B. To eliminate all microorganisms, including spores, from objects
C. To prevent contamination of the surgical wound
D. To sterilize instruments after surgery
C
RATIONALE: Surgical aseptic technique is designed to prevent
contamination of the surgical wound by maintaining a sterile field
and preventing microorganisms from entering the surgical site.
Question 2
A surgical technologist is preparing the operating room for a
procedure. Which of the following should be completed first?
A. Open sterile supplies onto the back table
B. Perform the surgical hand scrub
C. Verify the surgeon's preference card and gather necessary
supplies
D. Position the patient on the operating table
, C
RATIONALE: The first step in preoperative preparation is to
review the surgeon's preference card to verify equipment and supply
availability before any sterile setup begins.
Question 3
Which type of suture needle is best suited for suturing fascia?
A. Taper point needle
B. Cutting needle
C. Blunt needle
D. Reverse cutting needle
A
RATIONALE: Taper point needles are designed for soft, easily
penetrated tissues such as fascia, bowel, and peritoneum, where the
needle spreads tissue rather than cutting it.
Question 4
A surgical technologist is passing instruments during a laparoscopic
cholecystectomy. Which instrument is used to grasp the gallbladder
during dissection?
A. Babcock forceps
B. Kocher clamp
C. Allis clamp
D. DeBakey forceps
, A
RATIONALE: Babcock forceps are atraumatic grasping forceps
used to hold the gallbladder during laparoscopic dissection without
causing tissue damage.
Question 5
Which of the following is a Category A bioterrorism agent that
poses a high risk to national security due to ease of dissemination
and high mortality?
A. Salmonella
B. Anthrax
C. E. coli
D. Influenza
B
RATIONALE: Anthrax is classified as a Category A bioterrorism
agent, posing a high risk due to its ease of dissemination and high
mortality rate.
Question 6
A surgical technologist is preparing instruments for sterilization.
Which of the following is the correct method for sterilizing
unwrapped instruments for immediate use?
A. Autoclave at 250°F for 3 minutes
B. Flash sterilization at 270°F for 3 minutes
