Surgical Licensure Exam: CST Practice
Test Q&A| Written Exam 2025| Complete
100%
Describe the path blood takes from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.
Blood is pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs via the pulmonary artery, where it is
oxygenated and returned to the heart.
What happens to the diaphragm during surgery when a patient is under anesthesia?
The diaphragm relaxes, reducing its movement, which may require mechanical ventilation.
How does anesthesia affect nerve signals and muscles during surgery?
Anesthesia blocks nerve signals, leading to muscle relaxation and no pain sensation.
How does the lymphatic system help during surgery?
It filters harmful substances and supports immune response, requiring proper care to avoid
infections.
What happens to drugs in the body if the kidneys are not functioning well during surgery?
The kidneys can’t remove drugs efficiently, leading to higher drug levels and a risk of
toxicity.
How does the surgeon minimize tissue damage when using a scalpel?
1
, A careful, controlled incision reduces tissue trauma and promotes faster healing.
What steps are taken during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to minimize trauma?
Small incisions and sterile techniques reduce tissue disruption and infection risks.
What are safety protocols for using electrosurgical devices in surgery?
Devices must be grounded to prevent burns and electrical hazards, and the current is
carefully controlled.
How do open and closed reduction methods differ for fractures?
Open reduction involves surgery to realign bones, while closed reduction uses external
manipulation.
Why is hemostasis important during surgery, and how is it achieved?
Hemostasis controls bleeding through pressure, electrocautery, or clamping to prevent blood
loss.
What are the main things to consider before anesthesia?
Preoperative assessments check medical history, vital signs, lab tests, and allergies to ensure
safe anesthesia.
How does educating a patient pre-surgery help them?
2
, It reduces anxiety, improves cooperation, and helps them understand what to expect.
Why do patients need to fast before surgery?
Fasting prevents aspiration of food into the lungs during anesthesia, reducing the risk of
pneumonia.
How does a preoperative checklist help prevent errors?
It verifies patient identity, surgical site, and consent to avoid wrong-site surgery or other
mistakes.
What is the role of compression stockings before surgery?
They help prevent blood clots by improving circulation during immobility.
Why is psychological preparation important before surgery?
It helps reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better outcomes and recovery.
What are the benefits of preoperative screening?
It identifies any conditions that could affect anesthesia or the surgery, allowing for better
planning.
What should the surgical team do to ensure informed consent is properly given?
3
, The team explains the surgery and risks, making sure the patient understands before they
sign the consent form.
How does positioning during surgery prevent complications?
Proper positioning avoids pressure ulcers and nerve damage during the procedure.
Why are prophylactic antibiotics given before surgery?
They reduce the risk of infection by killing bacteria before surgery starts.
How does anesthesia affect the nervous system and muscles during surgery?
It prevents muscle movement and pain by blocking nerve signals.
What is the process for checking patient suitability for surgery?
It involves reviewing medical history, conducting exams, and lab tests to assess any risks.
How does the lymphatic system help fight infections after surgery?
It supports the immune system in removing harmful pathogens from the body.
What is the role of a surgical assistant in preventing infection during surgery?
The assistant helps maintain sterile technique, ensuring that instruments and environment
stay clean.
4
Test Q&A| Written Exam 2025| Complete
100%
Describe the path blood takes from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.
Blood is pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs via the pulmonary artery, where it is
oxygenated and returned to the heart.
What happens to the diaphragm during surgery when a patient is under anesthesia?
The diaphragm relaxes, reducing its movement, which may require mechanical ventilation.
How does anesthesia affect nerve signals and muscles during surgery?
Anesthesia blocks nerve signals, leading to muscle relaxation and no pain sensation.
How does the lymphatic system help during surgery?
It filters harmful substances and supports immune response, requiring proper care to avoid
infections.
What happens to drugs in the body if the kidneys are not functioning well during surgery?
The kidneys can’t remove drugs efficiently, leading to higher drug levels and a risk of
toxicity.
How does the surgeon minimize tissue damage when using a scalpel?
1
, A careful, controlled incision reduces tissue trauma and promotes faster healing.
What steps are taken during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to minimize trauma?
Small incisions and sterile techniques reduce tissue disruption and infection risks.
What are safety protocols for using electrosurgical devices in surgery?
Devices must be grounded to prevent burns and electrical hazards, and the current is
carefully controlled.
How do open and closed reduction methods differ for fractures?
Open reduction involves surgery to realign bones, while closed reduction uses external
manipulation.
Why is hemostasis important during surgery, and how is it achieved?
Hemostasis controls bleeding through pressure, electrocautery, or clamping to prevent blood
loss.
What are the main things to consider before anesthesia?
Preoperative assessments check medical history, vital signs, lab tests, and allergies to ensure
safe anesthesia.
How does educating a patient pre-surgery help them?
2
, It reduces anxiety, improves cooperation, and helps them understand what to expect.
Why do patients need to fast before surgery?
Fasting prevents aspiration of food into the lungs during anesthesia, reducing the risk of
pneumonia.
How does a preoperative checklist help prevent errors?
It verifies patient identity, surgical site, and consent to avoid wrong-site surgery or other
mistakes.
What is the role of compression stockings before surgery?
They help prevent blood clots by improving circulation during immobility.
Why is psychological preparation important before surgery?
It helps reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better outcomes and recovery.
What are the benefits of preoperative screening?
It identifies any conditions that could affect anesthesia or the surgery, allowing for better
planning.
What should the surgical team do to ensure informed consent is properly given?
3
, The team explains the surgery and risks, making sure the patient understands before they
sign the consent form.
How does positioning during surgery prevent complications?
Proper positioning avoids pressure ulcers and nerve damage during the procedure.
Why are prophylactic antibiotics given before surgery?
They reduce the risk of infection by killing bacteria before surgery starts.
How does anesthesia affect the nervous system and muscles during surgery?
It prevents muscle movement and pain by blocking nerve signals.
What is the process for checking patient suitability for surgery?
It involves reviewing medical history, conducting exams, and lab tests to assess any risks.
How does the lymphatic system help fight infections after surgery?
It supports the immune system in removing harmful pathogens from the body.
What is the role of a surgical assistant in preventing infection during surgery?
The assistant helps maintain sterile technique, ensuring that instruments and environment
stay clean.
4
