NBSTSA CST Certification Exam 2026/2027 | Certified
Surgical Technologist Study Guide & Practice Test |
NBSTSA CST Exam Prep | Surgical Technology
Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales |
Perioperative Care, Sterile Technique, Surgical
Procedures, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology,
Surgical Pharmacology & Patient Safety
Question 1: Which of the following is the primary responsibility of the surgical
technologist when preparing the operating room for an abdominal
hysterectomy before the patient enters?
A. Obtaining informed consent from the patient
B. Administering preoperative sedation
C. Assembling instruments and checking equipment functionality
D. Performing the surgical skin prep
E. Documenting the patient's history and physical
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assembling instruments and checking equipment
functionality
Rationale: The surgical technologist's preoperative responsibilities focus on
preparing the sterile field, assembling necessary instruments, and verifying that
all equipment is functional. Informed consent is obtained by the surgeon,
sedation is administered by anesthesia or nursing staff, and the skin prep is
performed after the patient is positioned in the operating room.
Question 2: During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon requests a
Veress needle. What is the primary purpose of this instrument?
A. Ligating the cystic duct
B. Creating the initial pneumoperitoneum
C. Aspirating bile from the gallbladder
D. Suture ligating the fascia
E. Dissecting the gallbladder from the liver bed
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Creating the initial pneumoperitoneum
,Rationale: The Veress needle is used to insufflate the abdominal cavity with
carbon dioxide to establish pneumoperitoneum, creating space for safe trocar
insertion. It is not utilized for ligation, aspiration, or dissection.
Question 3: Which of the following represents the correct sequence for surgical
hand antisepsis when using an alcohol-based hand rub?
A. Scrub with povidone-iodine, rinse, then apply alcohol rub
B. Apply alcohol rub to dry hands and arms, covering all surfaces, and allow to dry
completely
C. Wash with soap, dry, then apply alcohol rub for thirty seconds
D. Wet hands, apply alcohol rub, rinse with sterile water, and dry
E. Apply alcohol rub, then don sterile gloves without allowing drying
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply alcohol rub to dry hands and arms, covering all
surfaces, and allow to dry completely
Rationale: Alcohol-based surgical hand rubs are applied to clean, dry hands and
forearms, covering all surfaces, and must be allowed to air-dry completely to
achieve maximum antimicrobial efficacy. Pre-washing is only required when
hands are visibly soiled.
Question 4: A surgical technologist notices a puncture in a sterile glove after
gowning and gloving. What is the appropriate immediate action?
A. Cover the puncture with a sterile adhesive drape
B. Change only the affected glove using open gloving technique
C. Remove both gown and gloves, then regown and reglove with new sterile attire
D. Notify the circulator and continue the procedure
E. Apply a second pair of gloves over the contaminated glove
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Remove both gown and gloves, then regown and reglove
with new sterile attire
Rationale: A breach in sterile technique such as a glove puncture contaminates
the gown cuff and sleeve because the hands and arms move within the gown. The
entire gown and gloves must be removed and replaced using a new sterile set to
maintain asepsis.
,Question 5: When transferring a patient from the operating room table to a
stretcher after surgery, what should the surgical technologist ensure?
A. The patient's arms are unrestrained for easier movement
B. All tubes and drains are disconnected for efficient transfer
C. The stretcher is locked and sufficient personnel are available
D. The patient is moved quickly to minimize recovery time
E. The patient is transferred before anesthesia is discontinued
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The stretcher is locked and sufficient personnel are
available
Rationale: Safe patient transfer requires locking both the stretcher and OR table
to prevent unintended movement. Adequate staff must be present to protect the
airway, surgical site, and any drains or lines. Tubes and drains are never
disconnected during transfer.
Question 6: Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive
and moisture-sensitive surgical instruments such as fiberoptic cables?
A. Steam autoclaving at 121 degrees Celsius
B. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
C. Dry heat sterilization at 170 degrees Celsius
D. Peracetic acid liquid immersion
E. Flash sterilization at 132 degrees Celsius
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
Rationale: Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization is a low-temperature process suitable
for heat- and moisture-sensitive items. Steam autoclaving uses high temperature
and moisture that can damage delicate optics, while dry heat is too high a
temperature and can distort plastics.
Question 7: When preparing the back table for a surgical procedure, which of
the following demonstrates correct sterile technique?
A. Reaching across the sterile field to retrieve an instrument
B. Placing sterile supplies at the edge of the table
C. Keeping the sterile field within the sterile drape boundaries
, D. Using non-sterile gloves to arrange instruments
E. Allowing sterile items to hang over the table edge
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Keeping the sterile field within the sterile drape
boundaries
Rationale: The sterile field must be maintained within the boundaries of the
sterile drape. Items that extend beyond the edge or hang over are considered
contaminated. The surgical technologist should never reach across the field and
must wear sterile gloves when arranging instruments.
Question 8: Which of the following describes the correct method for opening a
sterile package onto the sterile field?
A. Opening the package with bare hands and dropping contents onto the field
B. Opening the outer wrapper first, then the inner wrapper while holding
contents securely
C. Tearing the package open quickly to minimize contamination time
D. Placing the package directly on the sterile field before opening
E. Opening the package away from the sterile field and carrying items individually
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Opening the outer wrapper first, then the inner wrapper
while holding contents securely
Rationale: Sterile packages should be opened by first peeling back the outer
wrapper, then opening the inner wrapper while holding the contents securely to
prevent them from falling. The circulator opens the package while the scrubbed
technologist receives the contents.
Question 9: The surgical technologist is preparing for a total knee arthroplasty.
Which of the following positioning devices would be anticipated?
A. Wilson frame
B. Mayfield headrest
C. Bean bag positioner and tourniquet
D. Fracture table
E. Andrews frame
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Bean bag positioner and tourniquet
Surgical Technologist Study Guide & Practice Test |
NBSTSA CST Exam Prep | Surgical Technology
Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales |
Perioperative Care, Sterile Technique, Surgical
Procedures, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology,
Surgical Pharmacology & Patient Safety
Question 1: Which of the following is the primary responsibility of the surgical
technologist when preparing the operating room for an abdominal
hysterectomy before the patient enters?
A. Obtaining informed consent from the patient
B. Administering preoperative sedation
C. Assembling instruments and checking equipment functionality
D. Performing the surgical skin prep
E. Documenting the patient's history and physical
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assembling instruments and checking equipment
functionality
Rationale: The surgical technologist's preoperative responsibilities focus on
preparing the sterile field, assembling necessary instruments, and verifying that
all equipment is functional. Informed consent is obtained by the surgeon,
sedation is administered by anesthesia or nursing staff, and the skin prep is
performed after the patient is positioned in the operating room.
Question 2: During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon requests a
Veress needle. What is the primary purpose of this instrument?
A. Ligating the cystic duct
B. Creating the initial pneumoperitoneum
C. Aspirating bile from the gallbladder
D. Suture ligating the fascia
E. Dissecting the gallbladder from the liver bed
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Creating the initial pneumoperitoneum
,Rationale: The Veress needle is used to insufflate the abdominal cavity with
carbon dioxide to establish pneumoperitoneum, creating space for safe trocar
insertion. It is not utilized for ligation, aspiration, or dissection.
Question 3: Which of the following represents the correct sequence for surgical
hand antisepsis when using an alcohol-based hand rub?
A. Scrub with povidone-iodine, rinse, then apply alcohol rub
B. Apply alcohol rub to dry hands and arms, covering all surfaces, and allow to dry
completely
C. Wash with soap, dry, then apply alcohol rub for thirty seconds
D. Wet hands, apply alcohol rub, rinse with sterile water, and dry
E. Apply alcohol rub, then don sterile gloves without allowing drying
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Apply alcohol rub to dry hands and arms, covering all
surfaces, and allow to dry completely
Rationale: Alcohol-based surgical hand rubs are applied to clean, dry hands and
forearms, covering all surfaces, and must be allowed to air-dry completely to
achieve maximum antimicrobial efficacy. Pre-washing is only required when
hands are visibly soiled.
Question 4: A surgical technologist notices a puncture in a sterile glove after
gowning and gloving. What is the appropriate immediate action?
A. Cover the puncture with a sterile adhesive drape
B. Change only the affected glove using open gloving technique
C. Remove both gown and gloves, then regown and reglove with new sterile attire
D. Notify the circulator and continue the procedure
E. Apply a second pair of gloves over the contaminated glove
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Remove both gown and gloves, then regown and reglove
with new sterile attire
Rationale: A breach in sterile technique such as a glove puncture contaminates
the gown cuff and sleeve because the hands and arms move within the gown. The
entire gown and gloves must be removed and replaced using a new sterile set to
maintain asepsis.
,Question 5: When transferring a patient from the operating room table to a
stretcher after surgery, what should the surgical technologist ensure?
A. The patient's arms are unrestrained for easier movement
B. All tubes and drains are disconnected for efficient transfer
C. The stretcher is locked and sufficient personnel are available
D. The patient is moved quickly to minimize recovery time
E. The patient is transferred before anesthesia is discontinued
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The stretcher is locked and sufficient personnel are
available
Rationale: Safe patient transfer requires locking both the stretcher and OR table
to prevent unintended movement. Adequate staff must be present to protect the
airway, surgical site, and any drains or lines. Tubes and drains are never
disconnected during transfer.
Question 6: Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive
and moisture-sensitive surgical instruments such as fiberoptic cables?
A. Steam autoclaving at 121 degrees Celsius
B. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
C. Dry heat sterilization at 170 degrees Celsius
D. Peracetic acid liquid immersion
E. Flash sterilization at 132 degrees Celsius
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
Rationale: Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization is a low-temperature process suitable
for heat- and moisture-sensitive items. Steam autoclaving uses high temperature
and moisture that can damage delicate optics, while dry heat is too high a
temperature and can distort plastics.
Question 7: When preparing the back table for a surgical procedure, which of
the following demonstrates correct sterile technique?
A. Reaching across the sterile field to retrieve an instrument
B. Placing sterile supplies at the edge of the table
C. Keeping the sterile field within the sterile drape boundaries
, D. Using non-sterile gloves to arrange instruments
E. Allowing sterile items to hang over the table edge
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Keeping the sterile field within the sterile drape
boundaries
Rationale: The sterile field must be maintained within the boundaries of the
sterile drape. Items that extend beyond the edge or hang over are considered
contaminated. The surgical technologist should never reach across the field and
must wear sterile gloves when arranging instruments.
Question 8: Which of the following describes the correct method for opening a
sterile package onto the sterile field?
A. Opening the package with bare hands and dropping contents onto the field
B. Opening the outer wrapper first, then the inner wrapper while holding
contents securely
C. Tearing the package open quickly to minimize contamination time
D. Placing the package directly on the sterile field before opening
E. Opening the package away from the sterile field and carrying items individually
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Opening the outer wrapper first, then the inner wrapper
while holding contents securely
Rationale: Sterile packages should be opened by first peeling back the outer
wrapper, then opening the inner wrapper while holding the contents securely to
prevent them from falling. The circulator opens the package while the scrubbed
technologist receives the contents.
Question 9: The surgical technologist is preparing for a total knee arthroplasty.
Which of the following positioning devices would be anticipated?
A. Wilson frame
B. Mayfield headrest
C. Bean bag positioner and tourniquet
D. Fracture table
E. Andrews frame
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Bean bag positioner and tourniquet
