NBSTSA PSI CST Exam 2026–2027 | 170 Practice
Questions with Rationales | Certified Surgical
Technologist Study Guide | Pass on Your First Try
,Q1. Which document must be verified before a patient is transported to
the operating room?
A. Discharge summary
B. Signed informed consent
C. Preoperative lab results only
D. Anesthesia preference card
B. Signed informed consent
Rationale: Informed consent confirms the patient understands and
authorizes the procedure. It must be verified before transport to the OR.
Q2. A patient scheduled for surgery reports a latex allergy. What is the
surgical technologist’s priority action?
A. Notify the charge nurse only
B. Continue setup with standard gloves
C. Ensure latex-free supplies are used
D. Place the patient in a private room
C. Ensure latex-free supplies are used
Rationale: Latex allergy can cause severe reactions. All supplies and
equipment contacting the patient must be latex-free.
Q3. During an abdominal procedure, the surgeon requests a self-
retaining retractor. How should the surgical technologist hand it to the
,surgeon?
A. With the ratchet open and pointed toward the patient
B. With the ratchet closed and secured in the hand
C. By placing it on the sterile field for the surgeon to pick up
D. With the tips facing the surgical technologist
B. With the ratchet closed and secured in the hand
Rationale: Self-retaining retractors should be handed with the ratchet
closed and controlled to prevent injury and maintain sterility.
Q4. When are sponge counts routinely performed during surgery?
A. Only before the incision
B. Before incision, before closure, and at skin closure
C. Only after the patient leaves the OR
D. At the beginning and end of the shift
B. Before incision, before closure, and at skin closure
Rationale: Sponge counts are performed initially, before closing a cavity,
and at skin closure to prevent retained foreign bodies.
Q5. Which suture is commonly used for fascial closure?
A. 6-0 nylon
B. 5-0 chromic gut
, C. 0 or 1 absorbable suture
D. 4-0 silk
C. 0 or 1 absorbable suture
Rationale: Fascia requires strong, slowly absorbable suture, such as 0 or
1 polyglactin, to support healing during the early postoperative period.
Q6. A patient in the PACU shows signs of airway obstruction. What is
the first action?
A. Administer oral fluids
B. Open the airway with a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust
C. Call the surgeon before intervening
D. Place the patient in a supine position
B. Open the airway with a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust
Rationale: Airway obstruction is an emergency. The first step is to open
the airway and assess breathing.
Q7. Which action is correct when handling a surgical specimen?
A. Discard it if it appears normal
B. Place it in formalin without verifying identity
C. Verify patient identity and label the specimen with the circulator
D. Send it to the lab without documentation
C. Verify patient identity and label the specimen with the circulator
Questions with Rationales | Certified Surgical
Technologist Study Guide | Pass on Your First Try
,Q1. Which document must be verified before a patient is transported to
the operating room?
A. Discharge summary
B. Signed informed consent
C. Preoperative lab results only
D. Anesthesia preference card
B. Signed informed consent
Rationale: Informed consent confirms the patient understands and
authorizes the procedure. It must be verified before transport to the OR.
Q2. A patient scheduled for surgery reports a latex allergy. What is the
surgical technologist’s priority action?
A. Notify the charge nurse only
B. Continue setup with standard gloves
C. Ensure latex-free supplies are used
D. Place the patient in a private room
C. Ensure latex-free supplies are used
Rationale: Latex allergy can cause severe reactions. All supplies and
equipment contacting the patient must be latex-free.
Q3. During an abdominal procedure, the surgeon requests a self-
retaining retractor. How should the surgical technologist hand it to the
,surgeon?
A. With the ratchet open and pointed toward the patient
B. With the ratchet closed and secured in the hand
C. By placing it on the sterile field for the surgeon to pick up
D. With the tips facing the surgical technologist
B. With the ratchet closed and secured in the hand
Rationale: Self-retaining retractors should be handed with the ratchet
closed and controlled to prevent injury and maintain sterility.
Q4. When are sponge counts routinely performed during surgery?
A. Only before the incision
B. Before incision, before closure, and at skin closure
C. Only after the patient leaves the OR
D. At the beginning and end of the shift
B. Before incision, before closure, and at skin closure
Rationale: Sponge counts are performed initially, before closing a cavity,
and at skin closure to prevent retained foreign bodies.
Q5. Which suture is commonly used for fascial closure?
A. 6-0 nylon
B. 5-0 chromic gut
, C. 0 or 1 absorbable suture
D. 4-0 silk
C. 0 or 1 absorbable suture
Rationale: Fascia requires strong, slowly absorbable suture, such as 0 or
1 polyglactin, to support healing during the early postoperative period.
Q6. A patient in the PACU shows signs of airway obstruction. What is
the first action?
A. Administer oral fluids
B. Open the airway with a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust
C. Call the surgeon before intervening
D. Place the patient in a supine position
B. Open the airway with a head-tilt/chin-lift or jaw-thrust
Rationale: Airway obstruction is an emergency. The first step is to open
the airway and assess breathing.
Q7. Which action is correct when handling a surgical specimen?
A. Discard it if it appears normal
B. Place it in formalin without verifying identity
C. Verify patient identity and label the specimen with the circulator
D. Send it to the lab without documentation
C. Verify patient identity and label the specimen with the circulator
