CST — CERTIFIED SURGICAL
TECHNOLOGIST
EXAM 2026 TEST BANK 1
175 Practice Exam Questions • Correct Verified Answers
CST Exam 2026/2027 • NBSTSA CST Certification Exam
,CST Exam 2026 Test Bank 1 - Certified Surgical Technologist 175 Practice Questions - Verified Answers
Certified Surgical Technologist Examination Preparation
Aligned with the NBSTSA CST Certification Content Outline
Content Domains (10 Sections, 175 Questions Total):
• Section 1: Preoperative Preparation (Q1-25)
• Section 2: Aseptic Technique and Sterilization (Q26-45)
• Section 3: Surgical Instrumentation (Q46-65)
• Section 4: Surgical Procedures and Anatomy (Q66-95)
• Section 5: Intraoperative Patient Care (Q96-115)
• Section 6: Pharmacology and Anesthesia (Q116-130)
• Section 7: Surgical Emergencies and Complications (Q131-145)
• Section 8: Surgical Technology Fundamentals (Q146-160)
• Section 9: Postoperative Care (Q161-170)
• Section 10: Regulatory and Legal Issues (Q171-175)
Question Design:
• 75% scenario-based clinical application
• 25% direct recall / instrument identification / sterilization parameters
• 4 multiple-choice options (A-D), one correct answer
• Cognitive levels: 30% recall, 50% application, 20% analysis
Each question includes: detailed NBSTSA exam-specific rationale with surgical
technology reasoning (aseptic principles, sterilization science, surgical anatomy,
instrumentation, patient safety, and AORN standards)
NEW 2026/2027 — Updated with latest instrumentation, sterilization standards,
AORN guideline changes, and emerging surgical technologies.
NBSTSA CST Certification Preparation • Test Bank 1 • Comprehensive Examination Preparation
Page 2
,CST Exam 2026 Test Bank 1 - Certified Surgical Technologist 175 Practice Questions - Verified Answers
Section 1: Surgical Suite Setup, Sterile Field, Patient Preparation, & Surgical
Conscience (Q1-25)
Q1: A surgical technologist is setting up the operating room for a total knee arthroplasty. According to AORN
standards, what is the recommended temperature range for the OR environment?
A. 60-68°F (16-20°C)
B. 68-75°F (20-24°C) [CORRECT]
C. 75-80°F (24-27°C)
D. 80-85°F (27-29°C)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per AORN guidelines, the recommended OR temperature range is 68-75°F (20-24°C). This range balances patient
comfort (preventing hypothermia, which increases risk of surgical site infection, bleeding, and cardiac complications) with staff
comfort (surgeons and staff in heavy gowns need a cooler environment to prevent heat stress and sweat contamination of the
sterile field). Humidity should be maintained at 30-60% to control static electricity (which can damage electronic equipment and
ignite flammable anesthetic gases) and microbial growth. Temperatures below 68°F increase patient hypothermia risk; above
75°F cause staff heat stress and compromise sterile technique.
Q2: During OR setup, the surgical technologist notices that the ventilation system is not functioning properly.
According to AORN standards, what is the recommended air exchange rate for an operating room?
A. 10 air changes per hour, with 2 outside air
B. 15 air changes per hour, with 3 outside air
C. 20 air changes per hour, with 4 outside air [CORRECT]
D. 25 air changes per hour, with 5 outside air
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per AORN and ASHRAE Standard 170, operating rooms require a minimum of 20 air changes per hour (ACH),
with at least 4 ACH of outside air. The air should be HEPA-filtered, supplied from the ceiling in a unidirectional (laminar) flow
pattern, and exhausted through low-level return vents. This design reduces airborne contamination by diluting and removing
particles, microbes, and anesthetic gases. Positive pressure (relative to surrounding corridors) prevents ingress of contaminated
air when doors are opened. The ventilation system should run continuously, even when the OR is not in use, to maintain air
quality. Operating with inadequate ventilation increases surgical site infection risk.
Q3: A surgical technologist is preparing to perform the surgical hand scrub. According to AORN standards, what is
the recommended scrub time when using a traditional water-aided brush with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)?
A. 1-2 minutes
B. 2-5 minutes [CORRECT]
C. 5-10 minutes
D. 10-15 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per AORN guidelines, the recommended surgical hand scrub time using a traditional water-aided brush with
chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or povidone-iodine is 2-5 minutes. The focus is on THOROUGHNESS rather than duration.
The scrub should cover the hands and forearms up to 2 inches above the elbows, with attention to nails, cuticles, and between
fingers. Studies have shown that a 2-5 minute scrub is as effective as longer scrubs (5-10 minutes historically recommended) in
reducing microbial counts, and shorter scrubs reduce skin irritation and dermatitis. For alcohol-based surgical hand rubs
(waterless), the application time is typically 1.5-3 minutes per manufacturer instructions.
Page 3
, CST Exam 2026 Test Bank 1 - Certified Surgical Technologist 175 Practice Questions - Verified Answers
Q4: While scrubbing, the surgical technologist's hands drop below the waist level briefly. What is the appropriate
action?
A. Continue with the scrub and proceed to gowning
B. Extend the scrub by 1 minute to compensate
C. Restart the scrub from the beginning, and consider hands contaminated if gowned/gloved [CORRECT]
D. Apply additional antiseptic and continue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per surgical asepsis principles, if hands drop below waist level (or the sterile field level) during the surgical scrub or
after gowning/gloving, they are considered contaminated. The appropriate action is to restart the scrub from the beginning. The
principle is that the sterile field extends from the nipple line to the waist, and from the table edge to the back of the gowned
person. Areas below the waist (including the hands if they drop) are considered non-sterile. Other actions that contaminate the
hands include: touching the face, sweat dropping onto the field, tears saturating the mask, or touching a non-sterile object.
Surgical conscience requires reporting any break in technique, even if not witnessed.
Q5: A surgical technologist is assisting with gowning and gloving a surgeon. After the gown is donned, the surgeon
extends their hands for gloves. Which gloving technique should the surgical technologist use if the surgeon has already
gowned?
A. Open gloving technique
B. Closed gloving technique [CORRECT]
C. Assisted closed gloving technique
D. Self-gloving technique
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The closed gloving technique is used when the surgeon has already donned their gown with hands remaining
INSIDE the gown cuffs. The surgical technologist holds the gloves open (cuff-down for the right hand, then cuff-down for the
left hand) and the surgeon's hand (still inside the gown cuff) is slid into the glove, with the glove cuff pulled up over the gown
cuff. This technique maintains sterility by keeping the hands inside the gown cuffs at all times. Open gloving is used when the
person is NOT wearing a gown (e.g., before gowning) or for emergency procedures. Assisted closed gloving is essentially the
same as closed gloving when performed by another person. Self-gloving is not a recognized technique.
Q6: When establishing the sterile field by opening a sterile package, the surgical technologist opens the first flap away
from themselves. What is the rationale?
A. To prevent the package from slipping off the table
B. To prevent contamination of the inside of the package from their sterile gown
C. To prevent non-sterile surfaces (their body) from contaminating the inside of the package [CORRECT]
D. To allow easier access to the contents
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When opening a sterile package, the first flap is opened AWAY from the body to prevent the non-sterile surface (the
person's body/gown) from contaminating the inside of the package. The remaining flaps are opened with the hands on the
OUTSIDE of the wrapper (the non-sterile side), pulling them down and away from the sterile field. The edges of the sterile
wrapper are considered non-sterile (1 inch border), and the contents must be handled only by their sterile surfaces. This
technique maintains the sterility of the package contents and the sterile field. Opening toward the body would risk
contamination from the non-sterile gown front.
Page 4
TECHNOLOGIST
EXAM 2026 TEST BANK 1
175 Practice Exam Questions • Correct Verified Answers
CST Exam 2026/2027 • NBSTSA CST Certification Exam
,CST Exam 2026 Test Bank 1 - Certified Surgical Technologist 175 Practice Questions - Verified Answers
Certified Surgical Technologist Examination Preparation
Aligned with the NBSTSA CST Certification Content Outline
Content Domains (10 Sections, 175 Questions Total):
• Section 1: Preoperative Preparation (Q1-25)
• Section 2: Aseptic Technique and Sterilization (Q26-45)
• Section 3: Surgical Instrumentation (Q46-65)
• Section 4: Surgical Procedures and Anatomy (Q66-95)
• Section 5: Intraoperative Patient Care (Q96-115)
• Section 6: Pharmacology and Anesthesia (Q116-130)
• Section 7: Surgical Emergencies and Complications (Q131-145)
• Section 8: Surgical Technology Fundamentals (Q146-160)
• Section 9: Postoperative Care (Q161-170)
• Section 10: Regulatory and Legal Issues (Q171-175)
Question Design:
• 75% scenario-based clinical application
• 25% direct recall / instrument identification / sterilization parameters
• 4 multiple-choice options (A-D), one correct answer
• Cognitive levels: 30% recall, 50% application, 20% analysis
Each question includes: detailed NBSTSA exam-specific rationale with surgical
technology reasoning (aseptic principles, sterilization science, surgical anatomy,
instrumentation, patient safety, and AORN standards)
NEW 2026/2027 — Updated with latest instrumentation, sterilization standards,
AORN guideline changes, and emerging surgical technologies.
NBSTSA CST Certification Preparation • Test Bank 1 • Comprehensive Examination Preparation
Page 2
,CST Exam 2026 Test Bank 1 - Certified Surgical Technologist 175 Practice Questions - Verified Answers
Section 1: Surgical Suite Setup, Sterile Field, Patient Preparation, & Surgical
Conscience (Q1-25)
Q1: A surgical technologist is setting up the operating room for a total knee arthroplasty. According to AORN
standards, what is the recommended temperature range for the OR environment?
A. 60-68°F (16-20°C)
B. 68-75°F (20-24°C) [CORRECT]
C. 75-80°F (24-27°C)
D. 80-85°F (27-29°C)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per AORN guidelines, the recommended OR temperature range is 68-75°F (20-24°C). This range balances patient
comfort (preventing hypothermia, which increases risk of surgical site infection, bleeding, and cardiac complications) with staff
comfort (surgeons and staff in heavy gowns need a cooler environment to prevent heat stress and sweat contamination of the
sterile field). Humidity should be maintained at 30-60% to control static electricity (which can damage electronic equipment and
ignite flammable anesthetic gases) and microbial growth. Temperatures below 68°F increase patient hypothermia risk; above
75°F cause staff heat stress and compromise sterile technique.
Q2: During OR setup, the surgical technologist notices that the ventilation system is not functioning properly.
According to AORN standards, what is the recommended air exchange rate for an operating room?
A. 10 air changes per hour, with 2 outside air
B. 15 air changes per hour, with 3 outside air
C. 20 air changes per hour, with 4 outside air [CORRECT]
D. 25 air changes per hour, with 5 outside air
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per AORN and ASHRAE Standard 170, operating rooms require a minimum of 20 air changes per hour (ACH),
with at least 4 ACH of outside air. The air should be HEPA-filtered, supplied from the ceiling in a unidirectional (laminar) flow
pattern, and exhausted through low-level return vents. This design reduces airborne contamination by diluting and removing
particles, microbes, and anesthetic gases. Positive pressure (relative to surrounding corridors) prevents ingress of contaminated
air when doors are opened. The ventilation system should run continuously, even when the OR is not in use, to maintain air
quality. Operating with inadequate ventilation increases surgical site infection risk.
Q3: A surgical technologist is preparing to perform the surgical hand scrub. According to AORN standards, what is
the recommended scrub time when using a traditional water-aided brush with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)?
A. 1-2 minutes
B. 2-5 minutes [CORRECT]
C. 5-10 minutes
D. 10-15 minutes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per AORN guidelines, the recommended surgical hand scrub time using a traditional water-aided brush with
chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or povidone-iodine is 2-5 minutes. The focus is on THOROUGHNESS rather than duration.
The scrub should cover the hands and forearms up to 2 inches above the elbows, with attention to nails, cuticles, and between
fingers. Studies have shown that a 2-5 minute scrub is as effective as longer scrubs (5-10 minutes historically recommended) in
reducing microbial counts, and shorter scrubs reduce skin irritation and dermatitis. For alcohol-based surgical hand rubs
(waterless), the application time is typically 1.5-3 minutes per manufacturer instructions.
Page 3
, CST Exam 2026 Test Bank 1 - Certified Surgical Technologist 175 Practice Questions - Verified Answers
Q4: While scrubbing, the surgical technologist's hands drop below the waist level briefly. What is the appropriate
action?
A. Continue with the scrub and proceed to gowning
B. Extend the scrub by 1 minute to compensate
C. Restart the scrub from the beginning, and consider hands contaminated if gowned/gloved [CORRECT]
D. Apply additional antiseptic and continue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per surgical asepsis principles, if hands drop below waist level (or the sterile field level) during the surgical scrub or
after gowning/gloving, they are considered contaminated. The appropriate action is to restart the scrub from the beginning. The
principle is that the sterile field extends from the nipple line to the waist, and from the table edge to the back of the gowned
person. Areas below the waist (including the hands if they drop) are considered non-sterile. Other actions that contaminate the
hands include: touching the face, sweat dropping onto the field, tears saturating the mask, or touching a non-sterile object.
Surgical conscience requires reporting any break in technique, even if not witnessed.
Q5: A surgical technologist is assisting with gowning and gloving a surgeon. After the gown is donned, the surgeon
extends their hands for gloves. Which gloving technique should the surgical technologist use if the surgeon has already
gowned?
A. Open gloving technique
B. Closed gloving technique [CORRECT]
C. Assisted closed gloving technique
D. Self-gloving technique
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The closed gloving technique is used when the surgeon has already donned their gown with hands remaining
INSIDE the gown cuffs. The surgical technologist holds the gloves open (cuff-down for the right hand, then cuff-down for the
left hand) and the surgeon's hand (still inside the gown cuff) is slid into the glove, with the glove cuff pulled up over the gown
cuff. This technique maintains sterility by keeping the hands inside the gown cuffs at all times. Open gloving is used when the
person is NOT wearing a gown (e.g., before gowning) or for emergency procedures. Assisted closed gloving is essentially the
same as closed gloving when performed by another person. Self-gloving is not a recognized technique.
Q6: When establishing the sterile field by opening a sterile package, the surgical technologist opens the first flap away
from themselves. What is the rationale?
A. To prevent the package from slipping off the table
B. To prevent contamination of the inside of the package from their sterile gown
C. To prevent non-sterile surfaces (their body) from contaminating the inside of the package [CORRECT]
D. To allow easier access to the contents
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When opening a sterile package, the first flap is opened AWAY from the body to prevent the non-sterile surface (the
person's body/gown) from contaminating the inside of the package. The remaining flaps are opened with the hands on the
OUTSIDE of the wrapper (the non-sterile side), pulling them down and away from the sterile field. The edges of the sterile
wrapper are considered non-sterile (1 inch border), and the contents must be handled only by their sterile surfaces. This
technique maintains the sterility of the package contents and the sterile field. Opening toward the body would risk
contamination from the non-sterile gown front.
Page 4
