CST EXAM TEST A
CST EXAM TEST A QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Question 1
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the appendix is perforated, and contents begin
spilling into the abdomen. Which of the following should the surgical technologist
anticipate as the NEXT step?
Correct Answer
Suction the fluid from the abdomen.
Question 2
A carotid endarterectomy has just been finished and the dressing is on. The surgical
technologist begins removing all sharps and non-disposables from the drapes before
pushing everything back. According to best practice, which of the following should be
the NEXT step?
Correct Answer
Push the back table, mayo, and basin back and keep sterile until the patient is
transported to the PACU.
Question 3
Which of the following should be prepared for a mastoid dressing?
Correct Answer
several fluffed sponges and rolled gauze
Question 4
Which of the following is the FIRST step in applying the pneumatic tourniquet?
Correct Answer
padding the limb where the tourniquet is to be wrapped with Webril
Page 1 of 22
, CST EXAM TEST A
Question 5
When performing a dilation and curettage, which of the of following instruments is
used to grasp the cervix?
Correct Answer
Schroeder
Question 6
How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively?
Correct Answer
three, two
Question 7
When a break in aseptic technique occurs, the surgical technologist should FIRST
notify the
Correct Answer
contaminating team member
Question 8
Which of the following pathological conditions may be caused by an excessive
production of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?
Correct Answer
hydrocephalus
Question 9
If unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure, a surgical
technologist should request additional
Correct Answer
lap sponges
Page 2 of 22
, CST EXAM TEST A
Question 10
In which of the following situations can a DNR order be continued in an unconscious
patient for a surgical procedure?
Correct Answer
The patient's durable POA requests it be continued.
Question 11
A surgeon asks for warm irrigation after a right hemicolectomy. Which of the
following BEST describes the reason for irrigating at this point in the procedure?
Correct Answer
to aid visual inspection for leakage
Question 12
The rate per hour in air exchanges in a standard OR suite is
Correct Answer
15-25
Question 13
If there is any question related to handling a specific type of specimen, which of the
following departments should be consulted?
Correct Answer
pathology
Question 14
A patient's dentures are removed in the operating room. Which of the following is the
proper procedure for the care of the dentures?
Correct Answer
Place them in a labeled cup and keep them with the patient's chart.
Page 3 of 22
CST EXAM TEST A QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Question 1
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, the appendix is perforated, and contents begin
spilling into the abdomen. Which of the following should the surgical technologist
anticipate as the NEXT step?
Correct Answer
Suction the fluid from the abdomen.
Question 2
A carotid endarterectomy has just been finished and the dressing is on. The surgical
technologist begins removing all sharps and non-disposables from the drapes before
pushing everything back. According to best practice, which of the following should be
the NEXT step?
Correct Answer
Push the back table, mayo, and basin back and keep sterile until the patient is
transported to the PACU.
Question 3
Which of the following should be prepared for a mastoid dressing?
Correct Answer
several fluffed sponges and rolled gauze
Question 4
Which of the following is the FIRST step in applying the pneumatic tourniquet?
Correct Answer
padding the limb where the tourniquet is to be wrapped with Webril
Page 1 of 22
, CST EXAM TEST A
Question 5
When performing a dilation and curettage, which of the of following instruments is
used to grasp the cervix?
Correct Answer
Schroeder
Question 6
How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively?
Correct Answer
three, two
Question 7
When a break in aseptic technique occurs, the surgical technologist should FIRST
notify the
Correct Answer
contaminating team member
Question 8
Which of the following pathological conditions may be caused by an excessive
production of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?
Correct Answer
hydrocephalus
Question 9
If unexpected heavy blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure, a surgical
technologist should request additional
Correct Answer
lap sponges
Page 2 of 22
, CST EXAM TEST A
Question 10
In which of the following situations can a DNR order be continued in an unconscious
patient for a surgical procedure?
Correct Answer
The patient's durable POA requests it be continued.
Question 11
A surgeon asks for warm irrigation after a right hemicolectomy. Which of the
following BEST describes the reason for irrigating at this point in the procedure?
Correct Answer
to aid visual inspection for leakage
Question 12
The rate per hour in air exchanges in a standard OR suite is
Correct Answer
15-25
Question 13
If there is any question related to handling a specific type of specimen, which of the
following departments should be consulted?
Correct Answer
pathology
Question 14
A patient's dentures are removed in the operating room. Which of the following is the
proper procedure for the care of the dentures?
Correct Answer
Place them in a labeled cup and keep them with the patient's chart.
Page 3 of 22
