Florida Surgical Technologist Certification
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary role of a surgical technologist in the operating
room?
Assisting the surgeon by preparing and passing instruments,
maintaining a sterile field, and anticipating the needs of the surgical
team.
The surgical technologist ensures efficiency and safety in the OR by
providing timely instruments and supplies while adhering to sterile
techniques.
2. During a surgical procedure, a sterile drape is accidentally dropped.
What should the surgical technologist do?
Immediately replace the drape with a sterile one.
Maintaining the sterile field is critical to prevent surgical site
infections; any compromise must be corrected immediately.
,3. What type of sterilization method is preferred for heat-sensitive
instruments?
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization.
Ethylene oxide is effective for instruments that cannot withstand
high temperatures, as it sterilizes without heat damage.
4. What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?
120/80 mmHg.
Blood pressure within 120/80 mmHg is considered normal; deviations
may indicate hypertension or hypotension, which require monitoring
during surgery.
5. Which surgical instrument is used to grasp tissue securely without
causing trauma?
Adson forceps.
Adson forceps provide precise control for delicate tissue handling,
minimizing tissue damage.
6. What is the correct method for counting sponges before surgery?
Count all sponges with a circulating nurse and verify verbally before
the procedure begins.
Accurate sponge counts prevent retained surgical items, a serious
safety concern.
7. Which layer of the skin contains sweat glands and hair follicles?
Dermis.
, The dermis supports skin structures such as glands and follicles, while
the epidermis provides surface protection.
8. What is the primary function of the scrub sink?
To allow surgical staff to perform a proper surgical hand scrub before
entering the sterile field.
Proper hand scrubbing reduces microbial load and prevents surgical
site infections.
9. What type of suture material is absorbable and commonly used
internally?
Vicryl (polyglactin 910).
Absorbable sutures are used internally as they naturally degrade
over time, eliminating the need for removal.
10. Which body position provides optimal exposure for abdominal
procedures?
Supine position.
The supine position allows access to anterior abdominal structures
and is most commonly used for abdominal surgery.
11. What is the most important reason for maintaining a sterile
field?
To prevent surgical site infections.
Sterility is crucial for patient safety, as contamination can lead to
infection and serious complications.
, 12. How often should surgical instruments be inspected for
functionality?
Before and after each procedure.
Routine inspection ensures instruments are intact, functional, and
safe for use.
13. What type of wound healing occurs when edges are
approximated and sutured?
Primary intention.
Primary intention allows rapid healing with minimal scarring when
wound edges are clean and closely aligned.
14. What is the recommended method to don sterile gloves?
Using the closed-glove technique after surgical hand scrub.
The closed-glove method maintains sterility by avoiding contact with
the outside of the gloves.
15. During a surgical procedure, what action should a technologist
take if the surgeon requests an instrument that is not immediately
available?
Anticipate needs and retrieve the required instrument promptly.
Being proactive ensures the procedure proceeds smoothly without
delays or interruptions.
16. Which of the following is a latex-free alternative for surgical
gloves?
Nitrile gloves.
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary role of a surgical technologist in the operating
room?
Assisting the surgeon by preparing and passing instruments,
maintaining a sterile field, and anticipating the needs of the surgical
team.
The surgical technologist ensures efficiency and safety in the OR by
providing timely instruments and supplies while adhering to sterile
techniques.
2. During a surgical procedure, a sterile drape is accidentally dropped.
What should the surgical technologist do?
Immediately replace the drape with a sterile one.
Maintaining the sterile field is critical to prevent surgical site
infections; any compromise must be corrected immediately.
,3. What type of sterilization method is preferred for heat-sensitive
instruments?
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization.
Ethylene oxide is effective for instruments that cannot withstand
high temperatures, as it sterilizes without heat damage.
4. What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?
120/80 mmHg.
Blood pressure within 120/80 mmHg is considered normal; deviations
may indicate hypertension or hypotension, which require monitoring
during surgery.
5. Which surgical instrument is used to grasp tissue securely without
causing trauma?
Adson forceps.
Adson forceps provide precise control for delicate tissue handling,
minimizing tissue damage.
6. What is the correct method for counting sponges before surgery?
Count all sponges with a circulating nurse and verify verbally before
the procedure begins.
Accurate sponge counts prevent retained surgical items, a serious
safety concern.
7. Which layer of the skin contains sweat glands and hair follicles?
Dermis.
, The dermis supports skin structures such as glands and follicles, while
the epidermis provides surface protection.
8. What is the primary function of the scrub sink?
To allow surgical staff to perform a proper surgical hand scrub before
entering the sterile field.
Proper hand scrubbing reduces microbial load and prevents surgical
site infections.
9. What type of suture material is absorbable and commonly used
internally?
Vicryl (polyglactin 910).
Absorbable sutures are used internally as they naturally degrade
over time, eliminating the need for removal.
10. Which body position provides optimal exposure for abdominal
procedures?
Supine position.
The supine position allows access to anterior abdominal structures
and is most commonly used for abdominal surgery.
11. What is the most important reason for maintaining a sterile
field?
To prevent surgical site infections.
Sterility is crucial for patient safety, as contamination can lead to
infection and serious complications.
, 12. How often should surgical instruments be inspected for
functionality?
Before and after each procedure.
Routine inspection ensures instruments are intact, functional, and
safe for use.
13. What type of wound healing occurs when edges are
approximated and sutured?
Primary intention.
Primary intention allows rapid healing with minimal scarring when
wound edges are clean and closely aligned.
14. What is the recommended method to don sterile gloves?
Using the closed-glove technique after surgical hand scrub.
The closed-glove method maintains sterility by avoiding contact with
the outside of the gloves.
15. During a surgical procedure, what action should a technologist
take if the surgeon requests an instrument that is not immediately
available?
Anticipate needs and retrieve the required instrument promptly.
Being proactive ensures the procedure proceeds smoothly without
delays or interruptions.
16. Which of the following is a latex-free alternative for surgical
gloves?
Nitrile gloves.
