1|Page
CST - NBSTSA EXAM 2025 | COMPREHENSIVE
Q&A FOR GUARANTEED SUCCESS
What is used to stabilize a fractured finger? -correct-answer-Kirschner wires
During the application of arch bars, the surgeon will most likely use what between
the teeth and around the bar? -correct-answer-25-gauge or 26-gauge stainless
steel wire
Which solution is used to identify diseased areas for a cold conization of the
cervix? -correct-answer-Lugol's
When using power saws on bone, what action best helps prevent bone damage? -
correct-answer-Irrigation
Which retractor is used in a C-section? -correct-answer-De Lee
A nasogastric tube (NG) is used to: -correct-answer-Drain the stomach
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Which procedure requires an incision in the suprasternal nothc? -correct-answer-
Mediastinoscopy
The surgical technologist in the scrub role must keep track of blood loss as well as:
-correct-answer-Track amount of irrigation used
Following an abdominal surgery, the surgeon has just closed the peritoneum.
Which layer will be sutured next? -correct-answer-Fascia
Which medication is the anesthesia provider responsible for recording the name,
amount, and delivery method during a surgical procedure? -correct-answer-
Propofol
A surgeon is preparing to close the abdomen of an average weight patient. Which
closing supplies should the surgical technologist have ready for closing the fascial
layer? -correct-answer-2-0 suture and toothed tissue forceps
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While preparing a sterile field, a surgical technologist secures the Bovie holster to
the Mayo stand. The surgeon insists on keeping the Bovie by him toward the head
of the patient. What would be the best course of action? -correct-answer-Move
Bovie holster up by the head of the patient
A surgeon is performing a procedure to repair damage from a gunshot wound to
the chest. Which type of drain should the surgical technologist have available at
the end of the procedure? -correct-answer-Underwater
A liver laceration is identified during an emergency exploratory laparotomy. A
surgical technologist will prepare suture attached to which of the following type of
needles? -correct-answer-Blunt
A Stamey needle is used for which type of surgery? -correct-answer-Bladder
suspension
What advantage do hand-held retractors have over self-retaining retractors? -
correct-answer-Dynamic adjustability
If unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure, a surgical
technologist should request additional: -correct-answer-Lap sponges
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What is most commonly used for wound closure in the presence of infection? -
correct-answer-Stainless steel
A surgeon asks for warm irrigation after a GI tract reastomosis. What best
describes the reason for irrigation at this point in the procedure? -correct-answer-
To aid visual inspection for leakage
In comparison to oral Fahrenheit temperatures, rectal Fahrenheit temperatures
are -correct-answer-Approximately 1 degree higher
What is the unexpected occurrence that involves physiologic or psychologic injury
or death? -correct-answer-Sentinel event
Following a surgical procedure, what is the best sequence of actions for a surgical
technologist to take? -correct-answer-Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and
gloves, and don a pair of unsterile gloves to aid in the care of the postoperative
patient
CST - NBSTSA EXAM 2025 | COMPREHENSIVE
Q&A FOR GUARANTEED SUCCESS
What is used to stabilize a fractured finger? -correct-answer-Kirschner wires
During the application of arch bars, the surgeon will most likely use what between
the teeth and around the bar? -correct-answer-25-gauge or 26-gauge stainless
steel wire
Which solution is used to identify diseased areas for a cold conization of the
cervix? -correct-answer-Lugol's
When using power saws on bone, what action best helps prevent bone damage? -
correct-answer-Irrigation
Which retractor is used in a C-section? -correct-answer-De Lee
A nasogastric tube (NG) is used to: -correct-answer-Drain the stomach
,2|Page
Which procedure requires an incision in the suprasternal nothc? -correct-answer-
Mediastinoscopy
The surgical technologist in the scrub role must keep track of blood loss as well as:
-correct-answer-Track amount of irrigation used
Following an abdominal surgery, the surgeon has just closed the peritoneum.
Which layer will be sutured next? -correct-answer-Fascia
Which medication is the anesthesia provider responsible for recording the name,
amount, and delivery method during a surgical procedure? -correct-answer-
Propofol
A surgeon is preparing to close the abdomen of an average weight patient. Which
closing supplies should the surgical technologist have ready for closing the fascial
layer? -correct-answer-2-0 suture and toothed tissue forceps
,3|Page
While preparing a sterile field, a surgical technologist secures the Bovie holster to
the Mayo stand. The surgeon insists on keeping the Bovie by him toward the head
of the patient. What would be the best course of action? -correct-answer-Move
Bovie holster up by the head of the patient
A surgeon is performing a procedure to repair damage from a gunshot wound to
the chest. Which type of drain should the surgical technologist have available at
the end of the procedure? -correct-answer-Underwater
A liver laceration is identified during an emergency exploratory laparotomy. A
surgical technologist will prepare suture attached to which of the following type of
needles? -correct-answer-Blunt
A Stamey needle is used for which type of surgery? -correct-answer-Bladder
suspension
What advantage do hand-held retractors have over self-retaining retractors? -
correct-answer-Dynamic adjustability
If unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure, a surgical
technologist should request additional: -correct-answer-Lap sponges
, 4|Page
What is most commonly used for wound closure in the presence of infection? -
correct-answer-Stainless steel
A surgeon asks for warm irrigation after a GI tract reastomosis. What best
describes the reason for irrigation at this point in the procedure? -correct-answer-
To aid visual inspection for leakage
In comparison to oral Fahrenheit temperatures, rectal Fahrenheit temperatures
are -correct-answer-Approximately 1 degree higher
What is the unexpected occurrence that involves physiologic or psychologic injury
or death? -correct-answer-Sentinel event
Following a surgical procedure, what is the best sequence of actions for a surgical
technologist to take? -correct-answer-Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and
gloves, and don a pair of unsterile gloves to aid in the care of the postoperative
patient
