NBSTSA CST PRACTICE EXAM 1,2 & 3 / CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST EXAM.– QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST
EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Perioperative Patient Care
Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Aseptic Technique and Sterilization
Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment
Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
Medical Terminology and Documentation
Professional Standards, Ethics, and Legalities
Emergency Situations and Critical Thinking
Introduction
,This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the knowledge and clinical judgment expected of a
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). The questions evaluate a candidate’s understanding of foundational surgical
theory, practical applications of aseptic technique, and the critical decision-making skills necessary in the operating
room. This assessment utilizes a variety of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to mirror the complexities of
real-world surgical practice. The emphasis is placed on safe, effective patient care, adherence to professional standards,
and the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team. Successful completion of this examination indicates a high
level of readiness for professional certification and practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 50
1. Question text
A surgical technologist is preparing the sterile field for a procedure. Which of the following actions would constitute
a breach in aseptic technique?
A. Opening the outer wrapper of a sterile package away from the body.
B. Placing a sterile item on the edge of the sterile field.
,C. Gowning and gloving another team member from a closed-pack system.
D. Moistening the sterile field with sterile saline.
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Placing a sterile item on the edge of the sterile field.
🔴 Explanation: The outer 1 inch of the sterile field is considered non-sterile. Placing any sterile item within this
margin is a breach of aseptic technique, as the edge is considered a contamination boundary.
2. Question text
A patient is in the supine position for a procedure. What is the primary anatomical risk associated with this position
if not properly maintained?
A. Brachial plexus injury.
B. Venous stasis in the lower extremities.
C. Pressure on the sciatic nerve.
D. Hyperextension of the cervical spine.
🟢 Correct Answer: D. Hyperextension of the cervical spine.
, 🔴 Explanation: In the supine position, a significant risk is hyperextension of the cervical spine if the head is not
properly supported. This can lead to nerve damage or compromise the airway.
3. Question text
Which term describes the destruction of all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores?
A. Disinfection
B. Sanitization
C. Sterilization
D. Antisepsis
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Sterilization
🔴 Explanation: Sterilization is the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including spores. This is the standard
required for all surgical instruments that enter sterile body cavities or vascular systems.
4. Question text
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST
EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Perioperative Patient Care
Surgical Pharmacology and Anesthesia
Aseptic Technique and Sterilization
Surgical Instrumentation and Equipment
Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology
Medical Terminology and Documentation
Professional Standards, Ethics, and Legalities
Emergency Situations and Critical Thinking
Introduction
,This comprehensive examination is designed to rigorously assess the knowledge and clinical judgment expected of a
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). The questions evaluate a candidate’s understanding of foundational surgical
theory, practical applications of aseptic technique, and the critical decision-making skills necessary in the operating
room. This assessment utilizes a variety of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to mirror the complexities of
real-world surgical practice. The emphasis is placed on safe, effective patient care, adherence to professional standards,
and the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team. Successful completion of this examination indicates a high
level of readiness for professional certification and practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 50
1. Question text
A surgical technologist is preparing the sterile field for a procedure. Which of the following actions would constitute
a breach in aseptic technique?
A. Opening the outer wrapper of a sterile package away from the body.
B. Placing a sterile item on the edge of the sterile field.
,C. Gowning and gloving another team member from a closed-pack system.
D. Moistening the sterile field with sterile saline.
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Placing a sterile item on the edge of the sterile field.
🔴 Explanation: The outer 1 inch of the sterile field is considered non-sterile. Placing any sterile item within this
margin is a breach of aseptic technique, as the edge is considered a contamination boundary.
2. Question text
A patient is in the supine position for a procedure. What is the primary anatomical risk associated with this position
if not properly maintained?
A. Brachial plexus injury.
B. Venous stasis in the lower extremities.
C. Pressure on the sciatic nerve.
D. Hyperextension of the cervical spine.
🟢 Correct Answer: D. Hyperextension of the cervical spine.
, 🔴 Explanation: In the supine position, a significant risk is hyperextension of the cervical spine if the head is not
properly supported. This can lead to nerve damage or compromise the airway.
3. Question text
Which term describes the destruction of all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores?
A. Disinfection
B. Sanitization
C. Sterilization
D. Antisepsis
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Sterilization
🔴 Explanation: Sterilization is the complete elimination of all microorganisms, including spores. This is the standard
required for all surgical instruments that enter sterile body cavities or vascular systems.
4. Question text
