NCCT Surgical Technologist (TS-C) Certification Practice
Exam
SECTION I: PREOPERATIVE CARE AND PREPARATION (Questions 1–35)
1. The surgical technologist is preparing the operating room for a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following environmental parameters should be
verified before the patient enters the room?
A. Temperature 60°F–65°F, humidity 30%–40%
B. Temperature 68°F–73°F, humidity 20%–50%
C. Temperature 65°F–70°F, humidity 50%–60%
D. Temperature 70°F–75°F, humidity 40%–60%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The recommended operating room temperature range is 68°F–
73°F (20°C–23°C) with humidity between 20%–50% to minimize bacterial growth
and maintain staff comfort. Extreme temperatures or humidity levels can
compromise patient safety and staff performance.
2. A patient scheduled for a posterior spinal fusion T3–L2 is being positioned.
Which positioning equipment is most appropriate for this procedure?
A. Bean bag positioner
B. Wilson frame
C. Andrews frame
D. Mayfield headrest
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Andrews frame is specifically designed for spinal surgery,
allowing the abdomen to hang free to reduce venous pressure and minimize
intraoperative bleeding during posterior spinal fusion. The Wilson frame is also
used for spinal procedures but the Andrews frame provides greater surgical
access for T3–L2 fusions.
,3. The surgical technologist is performing a surgical hand scrub. What is the
minimum recommended duration for an antimicrobial surgical scrub?
A. 2 minutes
B. 3–5 minutes
C. 5–7 minutes
D. 10 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The recommended minimum duration for an antimicrobial surgical
hand scrub is 3–5 minutes, depending on the product used and facility policy. This
duration ensures adequate reduction of transient and resident flora. The
anatomical timed scrub method and counted stroke method are both acceptable
approaches.
4. Which of the following sequences is CORRECT for donning a sterile gown and
gloves using the closed-glove technique?
A. Gown, right glove, left glove
B. Gloves, gown
C. Gown, gloves (closed technique)
D. Gown, gloves (open technique)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The closed-glove technique requires donning the sterile gown first,
then gloving both hands without the fingers exiting the gown cuffs until both
gloves are applied. This technique maintains sterility by keeping the hands
covered by the gown cuffs during the gloving process.
5. During the surgical Time Out, which of the following elements MUST be
verified by the surgical team? (Select all that apply)
,A. Correct patient identity
B. Correct surgical site and laterality
C. Surgeon's shoe size
D. Availability of required implants and special equipment
E. Correct procedure to be performed
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
Rationale: The surgical Time Out is performed immediately before the
procedure begins and must include verification of patient identity, surgical site
and laterality, procedure to be performed, availability of necessary implants and
equipment, and review of critical events. Surgeon's shoe size is not part of the
Time Out.
6. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is REQUIRED for all members of
the surgical team when entering the operating room during a procedure?
A. Mask, head cover, shoe covers
B. Mask only
C. Head cover and mask
D. Mask, head cover, eye protection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All members of the surgical team must wear at minimum a mask
and head cover when in the operating room during a procedure. Eye protection
and shoe covers are also recommended but may vary based on facility policy and
procedure type.
7. A sterile wrapped instrument set has been opened on the back table. The
surgical technologist notices a small tear in the inner wrapper. What is the
appropriate action?
A. Continue using the instruments; the tear is small
B. Cover the tear with sterile tape
, C. Discard the entire set and obtain a new sterile set
D. Use only the instruments from the intact portion of the set
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Any breach in package integrity, including a tear in the wrapper,
compromises sterility. The entire set must be considered contaminated and
should be discarded or returned for reprocessing. Sterile technique requires that
items remain sterile until the moment of use.
8. The surgical technologist is setting up for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Which of the following equipment should be prepared?
A. Harmonic scalpel
B. Endoscopic GIA stapler
C. Laparoscope with camera and light source
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires a laparoscope with
camera and light source for visualization. The harmonic scalpel may be used for
dissection and hemostasis, and an endoscopic GIA stapler may be needed for
cystic duct and artery division. All equipment should be prepared and tested
before the procedure begins.
9. A patient with a known latex allergy is scheduled for surgery. Which action
should the surgical technologist take FIRST?
A. Notify the surgeon
B. Prepare a latex-free sterile field
C. Document the allergy in the chart
D. Ask the patient about previous reactions
Correct Answer: B
Exam
SECTION I: PREOPERATIVE CARE AND PREPARATION (Questions 1–35)
1. The surgical technologist is preparing the operating room for a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following environmental parameters should be
verified before the patient enters the room?
A. Temperature 60°F–65°F, humidity 30%–40%
B. Temperature 68°F–73°F, humidity 20%–50%
C. Temperature 65°F–70°F, humidity 50%–60%
D. Temperature 70°F–75°F, humidity 40%–60%
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The recommended operating room temperature range is 68°F–
73°F (20°C–23°C) with humidity between 20%–50% to minimize bacterial growth
and maintain staff comfort. Extreme temperatures or humidity levels can
compromise patient safety and staff performance.
2. A patient scheduled for a posterior spinal fusion T3–L2 is being positioned.
Which positioning equipment is most appropriate for this procedure?
A. Bean bag positioner
B. Wilson frame
C. Andrews frame
D. Mayfield headrest
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Andrews frame is specifically designed for spinal surgery,
allowing the abdomen to hang free to reduce venous pressure and minimize
intraoperative bleeding during posterior spinal fusion. The Wilson frame is also
used for spinal procedures but the Andrews frame provides greater surgical
access for T3–L2 fusions.
,3. The surgical technologist is performing a surgical hand scrub. What is the
minimum recommended duration for an antimicrobial surgical scrub?
A. 2 minutes
B. 3–5 minutes
C. 5–7 minutes
D. 10 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The recommended minimum duration for an antimicrobial surgical
hand scrub is 3–5 minutes, depending on the product used and facility policy. This
duration ensures adequate reduction of transient and resident flora. The
anatomical timed scrub method and counted stroke method are both acceptable
approaches.
4. Which of the following sequences is CORRECT for donning a sterile gown and
gloves using the closed-glove technique?
A. Gown, right glove, left glove
B. Gloves, gown
C. Gown, gloves (closed technique)
D. Gown, gloves (open technique)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The closed-glove technique requires donning the sterile gown first,
then gloving both hands without the fingers exiting the gown cuffs until both
gloves are applied. This technique maintains sterility by keeping the hands
covered by the gown cuffs during the gloving process.
5. During the surgical Time Out, which of the following elements MUST be
verified by the surgical team? (Select all that apply)
,A. Correct patient identity
B. Correct surgical site and laterality
C. Surgeon's shoe size
D. Availability of required implants and special equipment
E. Correct procedure to be performed
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
Rationale: The surgical Time Out is performed immediately before the
procedure begins and must include verification of patient identity, surgical site
and laterality, procedure to be performed, availability of necessary implants and
equipment, and review of critical events. Surgeon's shoe size is not part of the
Time Out.
6. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is REQUIRED for all members of
the surgical team when entering the operating room during a procedure?
A. Mask, head cover, shoe covers
B. Mask only
C. Head cover and mask
D. Mask, head cover, eye protection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All members of the surgical team must wear at minimum a mask
and head cover when in the operating room during a procedure. Eye protection
and shoe covers are also recommended but may vary based on facility policy and
procedure type.
7. A sterile wrapped instrument set has been opened on the back table. The
surgical technologist notices a small tear in the inner wrapper. What is the
appropriate action?
A. Continue using the instruments; the tear is small
B. Cover the tear with sterile tape
, C. Discard the entire set and obtain a new sterile set
D. Use only the instruments from the intact portion of the set
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Any breach in package integrity, including a tear in the wrapper,
compromises sterility. The entire set must be considered contaminated and
should be discarded or returned for reprocessing. Sterile technique requires that
items remain sterile until the moment of use.
8. The surgical technologist is setting up for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Which of the following equipment should be prepared?
A. Harmonic scalpel
B. Endoscopic GIA stapler
C. Laparoscope with camera and light source
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires a laparoscope with
camera and light source for visualization. The harmonic scalpel may be used for
dissection and hemostasis, and an endoscopic GIA stapler may be needed for
cystic duct and artery division. All equipment should be prepared and tested
before the procedure begins.
9. A patient with a known latex allergy is scheduled for surgery. Which action
should the surgical technologist take FIRST?
A. Notify the surgeon
B. Prepare a latex-free sterile field
C. Document the allergy in the chart
D. Ask the patient about previous reactions
Correct Answer: B
