AST Certification Practice exam Questions with Correct Answers 2023 Update

AST Certification Practice exam Questions with Correct Answers 2023 Update Which of the following methods should be used for routine processing of a specimen? A. frozen section B. in formalin C. smeared biopsy D. aspiration biopsy >>>B Hydrocephalus is a condition marked by excessive A. HGH. B. CSF. C. subarachnoid space. D. gamma globulin. >>>B Immediately prior to ovulation, the structure preparing to rupture from the ovary wall is the A. corpus luteum. B. corpus albicans. C. graafian follicle. D. secondary follicle. >>>C Which of the following procedures is performed to correct a congenital malformation of the external ear or to create an ear destroyed by trauma? A. tympanoplasty B. myringoplasty C. otoplasty D. stapedectomy >>>C Which of the following sutures glides through tissue easily and does not readily harbor bacteria? A. monofilament B. multifilament C. absorbable D. non-absorbable >>>A Which of the following structures articulates with the head of the femur? A. coxal B. iliac crest C. tibia D. acetabulum >>>D During a C-section, the MOST appropriate time to perform the first closing count is A. while the uterus is being closed. B. while the peritoneum is being closed. C. during initiation of fascial closure. D. during initiation of skin closure. >>>A When opening and closing an instrument during the instrument inspection and assembly process, a surgical technologist discovers the hinge is stiff. The technologist should A. throw it away. B. tag it for repair. C. order a new instrument. D. use mineral oil as a lubricant. >>>B A Javid or Argyle shunt is used during which of the following surgical procedures? A. coronary artery bypass graft B. femoral popliteal bypass C. carotid endarterectomy D. creation of AV fistula >>>C When encountering resistance while inserting a urethral catheter, the circulating surgical technologist should A. remove the catheter and call a urologist. B. continue to advance the catheter using increased force. C. switch hands and then attempt to advance the catheter. D. withdraw the catheter slightly and gently reattempt to advance. >>>D Which of the following is the MOST toxic of known chemical agents, causing death with minutes due to respiratory obstruction and cardiac failure? A. vesicants B. choking agent C. phosgene D. nerve agent >>>D Which of the following is the closure order of layers from inner to outer in an abdominal wound? A. peritoneum, fascia, muscle, subcutaneous, subcuticular, skin B. peritoneum, fascia, muscle, subcuticular, subcutaneous, skin C. peritoneum, muscle, fascia, subcutaneous, subcuticular, skin D. peritoneum, muscle, fascia, subcuticular, subcutaneous, skin >>>A Electrocautery is considered which of the following types of hemostasis? A. topical B. chemical C. thermal D. mechanical >>>C Whenever laser surgery is planned for the head and neck, it is best practice to use specialty drapes coated with A. titanium. B. aluminum. C. copper. D. lead. >>>B At the conclusion of an operation, the surgical technologist in the scrub role must inform the circulating RN A. of the amount of local anesthetic used. B. that all sharps have been properly disposed of. C. of the number of gloves that were opened. D. that water is needed for the instruments. >>>A Tissue specimens that are sent to pathology for a frozen section are A. placed in formalin. B. sent dry. C. placed in water. D. sent sterile. >>>B When preparing for a male open inguinal herniorrhaphy, a surgical technologist should make sure which of the following items is available? A. 1/2 inch Penrose B. balloon expander C. Fogarty catheter D. 10 Fr. Robinson >>>A Which of the following is used to suture in a graft during a carotid endarterectomy? A. 6-0 Prolene B. 5-0 chromic C. 4-0 silk D. 3-0 Vicryl >>>A Which of the following sutures weakens and frays from excessive handling with rubber gloves? A. polyglactin B. chromic C. silk D. nylon >>>B A laminectomy is accomplished by which of the following types of approach? A. anterior B. posterior C. transabdominal D. cranial >>>B Recapping a sterile solution is A. always acceptable. B. only allowed in an emergent situation. C. permissible if contents are to be reused. D. never allowed unless for disposal. >>>D Which of the following vessels is MOST commonly used in a femoropopliteal bypass? A. radial artery B. femoral artery C. saphenous vein D. basilic vein >>>C Which of the following dressings immobilizes an area with added support, eliminates dead space, and reduces the chance of edema or the formation of a hematoma? A. rigid B. wet-to-wet C. bolster D. pressure >>>D To contain any biohazardous material when removing a drape after a procedure, the drape should be A. folded. B. secured. C. crumpled. D. rolled. >>>D When passing local anesthetic during a procedure, which of the following should read aloud the drug name and strength? A. surgeon B. surgical technologist C. first assistant D. anesthesiologist >>>A A patient is hospitalized for third degree burns and contracts a nosocomial deep tissue infection. Which of the following microorganisms is MOST likely the cause of the infection? A. Streptococcus pyogenes B. Bacillus cereus C. Staphylococcus epidermis D. Pseudomonas aeruginosa >>>D Which of the following types of suture would MOST likely be used to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm? A. polyglactin B. polydioxanone C. poliglecaprone D. polypropylene >>>D After the initial incision is made for an appendectomy, a surgical technologist should anticipate the next item needed is A. blunt forceps. B. Mayo scissors. C. an electrosurgical pencil. D. a Weitlaner retractor. >>>C When transferring an immobile or unconscious patient from a stretcher to an operating room table, the MINIMUM number of people required for the transfer is A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5 >>>C Pressure on the downside shoulder of a patient in the lateral position is alleviated by shifting the upper arm and shoulder slightly forward and placing a foam or gel pad under the flank area. Which of the following will be avoided using this positioning technique? A. retroclavicular compression B. lumbosacral nerve root impingement C. ulnar nerve compression D. subacromial impingement >>>A During a surgical procedure, a patient requires a blood transfusion. After the transfusion is initiated, the patient's urinary output ceases. This is indicative of A. malignant hyperthermia. B. a hemorrhage. C. a hemolytic reaction. D. anaphylaxis. >>>C A local medication containing epinephrine may be chosen for which of the following reasons? A. prolong anesthetic effect B. relax smooth muscles C. stop hemorrhage D. stimulates vasodilation >>>A Which of the following drugs should be administered to a patient with malignant hyperthermia? A. dantrolene B. naloxone C. carboprost D. vasopressin >>>A Which of the following is a fracture that occurs at the epiphysis of the distal radius? A. compound B. Pott's C. transverse D. Colles' >>>D Operating room equipment spreads microorganisms through which of the following? A. mutualism B. vector C. parasitism D. fomite >>>D A suture's ability to absorb moisture and hold in body fluids is referred to as which of the following? A. pliability B. capillary action C. absorption D. bioactivity >>>B Which of the following is used to retract lung tissue? A. Allison B. Doyen C. Army D. Davidson >>>A Items needed for immediate use should be sterilized with A. ethylene oxide. B. hydrogen peroxide. C. steam. D. glutaraldehyde. >>>C Which of the following is the correct order of steps during a carotid endarterectomy? 1. The graft is checked for leaks and extra sutures are placed as needed. 2. An arteriotomy is made into the common carotid artery and extended upward. 3. A graft is sutured over the arteriotomy. 4. Atherosclerotic plaque is dissected from the vessel wall. A. 2, 3, 1, 4 B. 2, 4, 3, 1 C. 3, 1, 2, 4 D. 3, 4, 2, 1 >>>B Which of the following is the sequence of events for an open procedure? A. incision, retraction, hemostasis, dissection B. incision, hemostasis, dissection, retraction C. incision, dissection, retraction, hemostasis D. incision, dissection, hemostasis, retraction >>>B Which of the following should the surgical technologist don first? A. hair cover B. mask C. sterile gloves D. gown >>>A Which of the following serrations is unique to most vascular clamps? A. horizontal B. atraumatic C. cross-hatched D. crushing >>>B Where should the safety strap be placed on a patient undergoing a laparotomy? A. 2 inches distal to knees B. 2 inches proximal to knees C. 2 inches proximal to pelvis D. 2 inches distal to pelvis >>>B For which of the following conditions would a miotic, such as acetylcholine chloride, be used? A. cataract B. retinal detachment C. pterygium D. chalazion >>>A Which of the following relative humidity levels is appropriate for the OR? A. 55% B. 65% C. 70% D. 75% >>>A Which of the following hernias occurs within Hesselbach's Triangle? A. direct B. indirect C. femoral D. pantaloon >>>A During a Wilms' tumor excision, which of the following veins should be identified, double-clamped with hemostats, divided, and ligated with 3-0 silk? A. mesenteric B. umbilical C. renal D. iliac >>>B Which of the following operating room personnel is required to accompany the general anesthesia patient to PACU? A. scrubbed surgical technologist B. PACU nurse C. anesthesia care provider D. surgeon >>>C A hammertoe deformity which has caused a contracture at the proximal interphalangeal joint can be corrected by performing which of the following procedures? A. extensor tenotomy B. flexor tenotomy C. bunionectomy D. joint arthrotomy >>>B Which of the following devices can be used in place of a handsewn anastomosis? A. GIA stapler B. Endoloop C. purse-string stapler D. LigaSure >>>A The surgical technologist monitors the amount of irrigation fluids used intraoperatively when significant blood is lost to A. make sure it does not run out. B. ensure proper charges to patient. C. know how much to place on next order. D. measure blood loss for transfusion. >>>D Which of the following would be applied for manipulation during a pelviscopy? A. Hulka B. Schroeder C. Jacobs D. Pennington >>>A A sudden decrease in vision, eye pain, headache, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, and rapid increase in interocular pressure MOST likely indicates which of the following? A. glaucoma B. cataract C. pterygium D. chalazion >>>A If a patient has recurrent shoulder dislocations, which of the following requires surgical repair? A. glenohumeral ligaments B. acromioclavicular joint C. rotator cuff D. coracoacromial ligament >>>A Which of the following practices demonstrates a compromise in aseptic technique during the draping process? A. discarding a drape that becomes contaminated B. discarding a drape that falls below table level C. maintaining a distance from the unsterile sheets on the bed D. readjusting the framing towel to make the operative space smaller >>>D Which of the following is an example of a diarthrosis joint? A. intervertebral B. knee C. pubis D. mandibular >>>B In the Sims position, the position of the patient's legs should be A. lower leg flexed, upper leg straight. B. lower leg straight, upper leg straight. C. lower leg straight, upper leg flexed. D. lower leg flexed, upper leg flexed. >>>C A young male patient arrives in the OR after being diagnosed with a ruptured appendix. What is the classification of his surgical wound? A. I B. II C. III D. IV >>>D Inadequate intake of calcium or vitamin D may result in which of the following conditions? A. osteoarthritis B. osteoporosis C. osteomalacia D. osteomyelitis >>>B Which of the following types of fracture compromises the integrity of the skin? A. compound B. impacted C. compression D. oblique >>>A Which of the following should be available when preparing for a transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopy for a direct inguinal hernia? A. Penrose drain B. extended Bovie tip C. balloon tissue expander D. EndoCatch bag >>>C During a trabeculectomy and iridectomy, which of the following instruments should be given to the surgeon for proper visualization? A. Barraquer speculum B. iris retractor C. scleral hooks D. Desmarres retractor >>>A Which of the following contrast media would MOST commonly be used in an angiography? A. Pantopaque B. Sinografin C. Dionosil D. Omnipaque >>>D Which of the following instruments is a hemostat? A. Metzenbaum B. Richardson C. Kelly D. DeBakey >>>C When positioning a patient for an exploratory laparotomy, what is the potential hazard if the arm boards are placed at an angle greater than 90 degrees? A. rotator cuff injury B. ulnar nerve damage C. brachial plexus injury D. decreased circulation >>>C A 3-year-old child presents with hypertension, hematuria, and abdominal enlargement. The patient has a history of urinary tract abnormalities, and Wilms' Tumor is suspected. Which of the following procedures should a surgical technologist prepare to perform? A. nephrectomy B. polypectomy C. nephroblastoma D. oligodendroma >>>C Prior to beginning a liver resection, which of the following is performed to control blood flow? A. Pringle B. Halstead C. Whipple D. Kocher >>>A In a resection of a vestibular schwannoma, which of the following cranial nerves will need to be preserved? A. V B. VI C. VII D. VIII >>>D A patient returns to the operating room for a laparotomy dehiscence. Which of the following may have caused the tissue breakdown? I. Skin staples were placed too close together. II. A running PDS suture was used too close to the abdomen and it broke. III. The wound edges were macerated during the laparotomy. IV. An electrocautery pencil was used and compromised the blood supply. A. I, II, and III only B. I, II, and IV only C. I, III, and IV only D. II, III, and IV only >>>A Which of the following is the correct sequence for the path of the electrical current in the monopolar electrosurgical unit? 1. The current exits the patient's body via the grounding pad and returns to the generator. 2. The active electrode is activated by the surgeon to deliver the cutting or coagulating current to the tissue or vessel. 3. The current travels from the generator to the active electrode. 4. The current passes through the patient's body to the grounding pad. A. 2, 1, 4, 3 B. 3, 1, 2, 4 C. 3, 2, 4, 1 D. 4, 3, 1, 2 >>>C Immediately following a procedure, the surgical technologist in the scrub role should A. break down the sterile field and bring in items for the following case. B. maintain the sterile field until the patient is out of the OR. C. maintain the sterile field until the patient has recovered. D. break down the sterile field and leave the OR. >>>B When applying a tourniquet, the pressure is determined by the surgeon according to the patient's A. systolic blood pressure. B. body weight. C. diastolic blood pressure. D. skin condition. >>>A The elbow is which of the following joints? A. gliding B. hinge C. pivot D. saddle >>>B Which of the following is a table-mounted retractor used during cardiovascular procedures involving the internal mammary artery? A. Favaloro B. Amato C. Wilcox D. Parsonnet >>>A While gathering instruments for a carpal tunnel release, which of the following instruments would be the BEST option for retraction? A. Senn B. Army-Navy C. Richardson D. Deaver >>>A An acoustic neuroma is a benign lesion of what cranial nerve? A. III B. V C. VIII D. X >>>C Which of the following cranial nerves is associated with swallowing? A. accessory B. vagus C. facial D. abducens >>>A How many people are required to place a patient in the lithotomy position? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4 >>>B Which of the following is the main consideration when positioning a pediatric or neonatal patient? A. Children are prone to overheating. B. Children's joints are more flexible and are at risk of being overstretched. C. Children can withstand more pressure placed over their body during surgery. D. Children should be treated the same as adults. >>>B Which of the following is a physical factor that may affect the efficiency of the decontaminant solution? A. chemical makeup B. bioburden C. water hardness D. concentration >>>C A minor break in sterile technique would have which of the following wound classifications? A. Class I B. Class II C. Class III D. Class IV >>>B A blood transfusion is refused by a 17-year-old patient's parent. A large amount of blood is lost during a procedure and the surgeon orders a transfusion to save the patient's life. Which of the following tort laws has been violated? A. assault B. malpractice C. negligence D. battery >>>B When preparing heparin for a procedure, a surgical technologist should remember that heparin A. may cause clotting. B. increases the effects of protamine sulfate when injected. C. is diluted with injectable saline for intra-arterial irrigation. D. is only used topically. >>>C Which of the following is a complication of wound healing? A. fistula B. torticollis C. tamponade D. polyp >>>A Which of the following terms means having been rendered free of all living microorganisms, including spores? A. asepsis B. sterile C. disinfected D. surgically clean >>>B Hypokalemia is MOST often caused by which of the following categories of drugs? A. antibiotic B. diuretic C. analgesic D. steroid >>>B Which of the following is true regarding patient skin prep? A. Surgical skin prep removes all resident organisms on the patient's skin. B. Hair removal should take place at least 24 hours prior to the planned surgical procedure. C. Contaminated areas should be prepped first. D. Prep solutions may not be allowed to pool or accumulate under and adjacent to the patient. >>>D When opening the back table pack, the FIRST step is to A. remove the outer packaging material. B. orient the pack correctly on the back table. C. break or remove the seal of the pack. D. check the integrity of the outer packaging materials. >>>D As soon as the closure is started, the surgical count is initiated at which of the following? A. Mayo stand B. back table C. surgical field D. off the field >>>C Which of the following is used to measure intraocular pressure? A. tonometer B. Castroviejo C. caliper D. Jameson >>>A Which of the following would be MOST likely used to secure cords and tubing to drapes? A. Lahey B. Allis C. Kocher D. Babcock >>>B Which of the following nerves may be injured in the lithotomy position? A. brachial plexus B. peroneal C. recurrent laryngeal D. vagus >>>B Which of the following should a surgical technologist consider when dealing with a geriatric patient? A. increased lung capacity B. increased skin elasticity C. decreased range of motion D. decreased tolerance to pain >>>C During a blepharoplasty, the surgeon asks the surgical technologist to sponge the incision site for better visualization. Which of the following types of sponges should be used? A. peanut B. Kitner C. patty D. Weck-cel >>>D The temperature in the OR should be maintained between A. 55° - 60° F. B. 61° - 67° F. C. 68° - 73° F. D. 74° - 79° F. >>>C A patient scheduled for a Lugol's test is suspected of having which of the following cancers? A. vulvar B. uterine C. ovarian D. cervical >>>D The first surgical count should be performed A. when the surgical technologist is relieved. B. at the closure of the first layer. C. before the procedure starts. D. at the closure of the last layer. >>>C When performing a Caldwell-Luc procedure, the incision is made in the A. mastoid process. B. gingivobuccal sulcus. C. nasal mucosa. D. middle meatus. >>>B One ounce is equal to how many milliliters? A. 10 B. 30 C. 50 D. 75 >>>B The once-daily thorough cleaning and disinfection of all equipment and soiled surfaces in the operating room is referred to as A. sanitation. B. terminal cleaning. C. decontamination. D. damp dusting. >>>B When prepping for a breast biopsy, a surgical technologist should AVOID vigorous scrubbing of the surgical site to prevent A. scarring. B. hematoma. C. seeding. D. nerve injury. >>>C Which of the following is an agent identified by the CDC that perioperative personnel may be exposed to in the event of a bioterrorism outbreak? A. botulism B. tuberculosis C. influenza D. HIV >>>A As a surgeon creates burr holes with the perforator during a craniotomy, a surgical technologist should A. use a sponge to wipe bone dust from the burr hole. B. hold the perforator handpiece for stabilization. C. activate the perforator. D. irrigate the bit with saline. >>>D Thermoregulatory devices employed during a laparotomy or laparoscopy may include A. a forced air warming blanket. B. pulse lavage with room temperature saline. C. a thermal ablation probe. D. a sequential compression hose. >>>D Which of the following is true when sterilizing rigid container systems with absorbent items? A. Disposable filters should be replaced daily to prevent re-vaporation. B. Rigid containers should be placed on shelves beneath absorbent items. C. Gravity sterilization should be used instead of prevacuum displacement. D. Drying time should be decreased to allow condensation within the container. >>>C The BEST practice for removing eschar and coagulum from an active electrode is to use A. a knife blade. B. sterile forceps. C. a non-abrasive sponge. D. a gloved fingertip. >>>C Which of the following procedures is the MOST common cause of nosocomial infections? A. total knee arthroplasty B. total hip arthroplasty C. urinary catheterization D. venous access device insertion >>>C When taping a patient's urinary catheter in place, tension should NOT be applied due to the risk of injury to the A. distal urethra and prostate gland. B. bladder neck and proximal urethra. C. urinary meatus and proximal urethra. D. distal urethra and patient's skin. >>>B Which of the following is considered an UNACCEPTABLE method of specimen transport? A. It is contained in a leak-proof and impervious bag. B. The label is placed directly on the container lid. C. Information is written in water-resistant ink. D. The documents are not placed inside the specimen bag. >>>B Any surface or tissue that has come in contact with a potential or actual source of micro- organisms is referred to as A. disinfected. B. sterile. C. contaminated. D. clean. >>>C Which of the following scissors would be used to extend a dural incision? A. Cushing B. Potts-Smith C. tenotomy D. Jameson >>>A Closure of a low transverse incision commonly begins with closure of the fascia using A. #1 polyglycolic suture. B. #3-0 polyglycolic suture. C. #1 polypropylene suture. D. #3-0 polypropylene suture. >>>A Compartment syndrome is MOST likely to occur because of A. failure of the fractured bone ends to unite due to infection or movement. B. excess pressure within a closed space causing neurovascular compromise. C. failure in re-establishing collateral circulation following traumatic injury. D. excess weight applied to skeletal traction causing bone fragments to separate. >>>B Before starting a procedure, a surgical technologist notices the instrument set on the back table does not have a chemical indicator inside. Which of the following actions should be taken NEXT? A. Notify the circulator, break down the field, and set up with a new instrument set. B. Pass the instrument set off the table and call for a new set. C. Call sterile processing to see if there is record of the set being sterilized and if so use it. D. Notify the surgeon so he can increase the patient's dose of antibiotics and use the set. >>>A Which of the following is the daily test that is run in a pre-vacuum sterilizer that tests only for air removal and entrapment? A. Geobacillus stearothermophilus B. Bacillus atrophaeus C. Bowie-Dick D. chemical strip >>>C The ultimate purpose of the time out process is to A. provide a final verification of the correct patient, procedure, site, and applicable implants. B. obtain patient consent for the procedure. C. provide the initial verification of the correct patient, procedure, site, and applicable implants. D. determine errors in the facility's standard processes. >>>A Which of the following should be done if a package of sponges contains an incorrect number, and the patient is already in the room? A. Bag the sponges and leave them in the room. B. Record the number of sponges as counted on the count sheet. C. Break down the room. D. Throw the sponges in the trash. >>>A Which of the following is the correct order of actions when placing a patient in the prone position? 1. Position the patient's arms alongside the body when rolling the patient onto the OR table. 2. Ensure that any patient monitoring lines are not disrupted when moving the patient. 3. Position breasts and external genitalia to alleviate pressure. 4. The patient is anesthetized on the stretcher. A. 2, 4, 3, 1 B. 3, 4, 2, 1 C. 4, 3, 1, 2 D. 4, 2, 1, 3 >>>D The MOST common indication for blood replacement during surgery is A. hypovolemia. B. low hemoglobin. C. cyanosis. D. high WBC. >>>A When maintaining a sterile equipment tray's record log, each package must be labeled properly with A. employee's initials, batch number, and lot control number. B. employee's initials, department number, and instrument number. C. batch number, instrument number, and department number. D. instrument number, batch number, and employee's initials. >>>A Prior to administration of a medication on the surgical field, which of the following actions should the surgical technologist take to ensure that the maximum safe dose is not surpassed? A. The circulating nurse and the surgical technologist can confirm the maximum dosage on the label. B. The surgical technologist can validate the maximum dosage with the anesthesia care provider. C. The surgical technologist must know the maximum dosage of all medications used in the perioperative setting. D. The circulating nurse will tell the surgical technologist when introducing the medication to the field. >>>B Which of the following solutions is used in the ultrasonic washer to decontaminate instrumentation? A. normal saline B. chlorhexidine C. Betadine D. enzymatic cleaner >>>D A surgical technologist should anticipate the surgeon will need which of the following after passing a ligature and forceps? A. hemostat B. scissors C. irrigation D. sponges >>>B Which of the following scissors would be used to cut plaster casts and aluminum? A. Littler B. Mayo C. Joseph D. Hercules >>>D A surgeon is performing an anterior cervical fusion and discectomy. As the self-retaining retractors are placed, special care must be taken to avoid damaging the A. carotid sheath and prevertebral fascia. B. carotid artery and esophagus. C. carotid artery and longus colli. D. carotid sheath and vertebral artery. >>>B While performing a pelviscopy, the surgeon perforated the bowel while inserting the trocar. Which of the following wound classifications would be this be? A. Class I B. Class II C. Class III D. Class IV >>>C Which of the following positions is used to displace the abdominopelvic organs cephalad to provide better visualization of the surgical site? A. Fowler's B. Trendelenburg C. Sims D. reverse Trendelenburg >>>B Which of the following is a non-retaining urethral catheter? A. Foley B. Whistle C. Pezzer D. Malecot >>>B How many units of heparin need to be added to 1000 mL injectable saline to obtain a concentration of 10 units per mL? A. 100 B. 1,000 C. 10,000 D. 100,000 >>>C A surgical technologist is preparing for a total knee arthroplasty. During time out, the technologist notices that the leg is marked differently than what is stated on the consent. The technologist should A. state this concern immediately. B. continue with the time out. C. assume the surgeon marked the correct leg. D. call the charge nurse. >>>A Which of the following is an example of an autograft? A. cadaver bone B. patient's own bone C. Gore-Tex patch D. porcine patch >>>B Which of the following is a type of bone-holding forceps? A. Langenbeck B. Darrach C. Cushing D. Brun >>>A Which of the following instruments is used to elevate arterial plaque? A. Freer B. Wylie C. Cooley D. DeBakey >>>A Tetany is a severe complication of which of the following surgical procedures? A. adrenalectomy B. pancreatectomy C. parathyroidectomy D. hypophysectomy >>>C Which of the following scissors should the surgical technologist have available for final dissection of the cervix during an abdominal hysterectomy? A. Jorgenson B. Sims C. Metzenbaum D. Mayo >>>A Which of the following is a precautionary action to prevent abdominal compression when the patient is placed in the kidney position? A. Place a chest roll under the axilla. B. Correctly position patient over break in bed. C. Use antiembolic devices to prevent DVT. D. Increase table flexion to 15 degrees. >>>B Which of the following is used in vascular surgery to prevent an anastomosis from leaking? A. prolene mesh B. Teflon felt C. Kitner D. cottonoids >>>B Which of the following dressings is MOST appropriate to use on a skin graft to apply even pressure and prevent fluid from accumulating under the graft? A. bolster B. wet-to-wet C. bulky D. wet-to-dry >>>A A hemostatic device that uses no thermal electrical energy and creates an immediate cool coagulum at the cellular level is the A. bi-polar cautery forceps. B. harmonic scalpel. C. monopolar cautery pencil. D. Argon Beam coagulator. >>>B The Kraske position is a variation of which position? A. Trendelenburg B. prone C. supine D. lateral >>>B Upon entering the OR, a patient seems upset and nervous. The surgical team begins talking to the patient to calm the patient's fears. Which of the following needs is the team responding to? A. psychological B. social C. physical D. spiritual >>>A During an intraoperative cholangiogram, the surgeon's preference card calls for 60 cc of 1% contrast media. The only option available is 30 cc of 2% contrast media. The surgical technologist should mix A. 10 cc saline and 50 cc contrast media. B. 20 cc saline and 40 cc contrast media. C. 30 cc saline and 30 cc contrast media. D. 40 cc saline and 20 cc contrast media. >>>C During a cystocele repair, the surgeon uses multiple Allis clamps to A. clip towels to the perineal area when draping. B. grasp the edges of dissected vaginal mucosa. C. hold the fallopian tubes. D. approximate the bladder flap. >>>B Progressive and incurable diseases, such as AIDS, metastatic cancer, and Alzheimer's, are categorized as A. acute. B. terminal. C. chronic. D. gestational. >>>B A standard three-way catheter placed after a TURP inflates to A. 5 mL. B. 10 mL. C. 15 mL. D. 30 mL. >>>D When performing a lysis of adhesions procedure, the surgeon is working on which of the following layers of the bowel wall? A. serosal B. mucosal C. submucosal D. muscularis >>>A The closed gloving technique is utilized A. only when the hands have not passed through the gown cuff. B. only when re-gloving without assistance during the procedure. C. to assist a sterile team member donning sterile attire. D. as a method of correcting glove contamination. >>>A While performing an open splenectomy, the surgeon asks for a retractor. Which of the following retractors would be MOST appropriate? A. Meyerding B. Greenberg C. Harrington D. Charnley >>>C In accordance with standard precautions, which of the following is the BEST way to dispose of a contaminated sharps container at the end of the procedure? A. It should be placed in an appropriate puncture-resistant container as close as practical to where the sharps were used. B. It should remain on the case cart and be sent to sterile processing to be disposed of there. C. It should have tape wrapped around it so it cannot open and be thrown away in the biohazard bin in the decontamination room. D. It should be thrown into the garbage container in the decontamination room. >>>A Which of the following fire extinguishers would be appropriate to extinguish an electrical fire? A. Class A B. Class B C. Class C D. Class D >>>C A patient weighs 109 kg. What is the patient's weight in pounds? A. 210 B. 220 C. 230 D. 240 >>>D Which of the following scenarios BEST describes the proper procedure for instrument preparation prior to transport to decontamination? A. Instruments are placed in a basin with water and heavier instruments are located on top. B. Instruments are placed in a basin with saline and heavier instruments are located on top. C. Instruments are placed in a basin with water and lighter, more delicate instruments are located on top. D. Instruments are placed in a basin with saline and lighter, more delicate instruments are located on top. >>>C Which of the following is the correct order of auditory ossicles from external to internal? A. stapes, incus, malleus B. incus, malleus, stapes C. malleus, incus, stapes D. malleus, stapes, incus >>>C Which of the following is an example of negligence by a member of the perioperative staff? A. A warming blanket does not function properly, and the patient becomes hypothermic. B. A dispersive electrosurgical pad is placed over a hip prosthesis, and the patient suffers a burn. C. A CST does not hand a recently sterilized retractor to the surgeon because it is too warm, and a bleeding vessel goes unnoticed as a result. D. A patient develops a wound dehiscence because the proper sutures used to close the abdomen were not available at the time of surgery. >>>B A surgical technologist is cleaning a patient's abdomen after a C-section and notices the area is beginning to swell and become large. When reporting this to the circulator, the technologist would refer to this condition as A. compression. B. auscultation. C. hemorrhage. D. ascites. >>>C A surgical technologist relieves a co-worker during a surgical procedure. The technologist notices that a medicine cup on the back table contains a clear solution and does not have a label, and there is an empty medicine vial on a nearby counter. Which of the following is the BEST course of action to take? A. Verify with the circulator what the solution is and label the medicine cup. B. Ask to view the empty medicine vial and label accordingly. C. Ask the prior surgical technologist what the solution is and label accordingly. D. Discard the solution immediately and obtain a new dose. >>>D If a needlestick exposure occurs in the operating room, the FIRST action the injured person should take is to A. clean with alcohol pad and replace glove. B. remove sterile glove and wash with soap and water. C. report to employee health and have a blood draw. D. call for replacement and alert the nurse manager. >>>B The condition that may present with non-painful nodules in the palms of the hands near the fourth or fifth digit is known as A. Dupuytren's contracture. B. De Quervain's disease. C. radial dysplasia. D. carpal tunnel syndrome. >>>A For which of the following situations would an incident report need to be filed? A. The surgeon's outer glove is punctured. B. A co-worker almost slips in a puddle on the floor. C. The surgical technologist is stuck with a contaminated suture needle. D. A flash autoclave load failed to run. >>>C Which of the following types of suture material is CONTRAINDICATED for use in contaminated or potentially contaminated wounds? A. polypropylene B. nylon C. chromic D. silk >>>D Which of the following prep solutions provides the longest residual effect? A. alcohol B. chlorhexidine C. iodophor D. parachlorometaxylenol >>>B When the recipient site of an autogenous graft is diseased, which of the following precautions should be followed? A. There will be one setup of instruments, and they will work on the recipient site first. B. There should be separate instruments for the donor and recipient site. C. There are no special precautions that need to be followed. D. The room must be turned over between the recipient and donor portion of the case. >>>B How should a surgical technologist pass a 2-0 silk tie to a surgeon during procedures in the abdominal cavity? I. on a Webster needle holder two-thirds back from the center of the needle II. as a free tie directly into the open palm of the surgeon's extended hand III. on a long curved clamp, loaded on the tip of the clamp IV. as a free tie grasped with the tips of DeBakey forceps A. I, II, and III only B. I, II, and IV only C. I, II, and III only D. II, III, and IV only >>>D A penile prosthesis is inserted to treat which of the following pathological conditions? A. benign penectomy B. benign prostatic hypertrophy C. hypospadias D. male impotence >>>D The pericardial sac is located within the A. mediastinum. B. lungs. C. esophagus. D. aorta. >>>A Which of the following clamps would MOST likely be used on the bowel? A. Kelly B. Crile C. Kocher D. Babcock >>>D When positioning a bariatric patient, accessory padding materials are needed to prevent A. neurological injury. B. skin tears. C. hypothermia. D. compartment syndrome. >>>A During an open laparotomy procedure, what is the approved method of using a Ray-Tec sponge? A. grasped with sponge forceps B. loose within the field C. attached to a retractor D. positioned on a hemostat >>>A Amphiarthrosis refers to which of the following? A. epiphyseal joint B. slightly moveable joint C. immovable joint D. freely moveable joint >>>B A terminally ill patient states, "Why can't you people leave me alone?" This patient is MOST likely in which of the following phases of grief? A. denial B. anger C. depression D. bargaining >>>B Which of the following classifications would include a wound where there is gross spillage of the gastrointestinal tract? A. clean B. clean contaminated C. contaminated D. dirty >>>C Which of the following is the BEST method for sterilization of instruments used on a patient with suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease? A. label as CJD and use plasma sterilization B. label as CJD and dispose of instruments C. ethylene oxide gas sterilization D. glutaraldehyde for 10 hours following by steam sterilization >>>B Which of the following forceps would MOST likely be found in a basic nasal instrument set? A. Cushing B. Gerald C. dressing D. bayonet >>>D Which of the following forceps would be included in a basic laparotomy set? A. DeBakey B. Gerald C. bayonet D. Graefe >>>A Which of the following safety guidelines should be used to prevent a fire or electrical hazard during a surgical intervention? A. Ensure that there is capacitive coupling for electrocautery devices. B. Run an intra-operative self-check on the ESU to ensure proper functioning. C. Inspect power cords and cables prior to use. D. Run a diagnostic test before connecting cables. >>>C