1
NCCT CST PRACTICE EXAM
WITH QUESTIONS ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES 2026-27
LATEST UPDATED VERSION
During a laparoscopic procedure, the screen on the monitor
becomes darker and visualization is impaired. The surgeon
discovers that carbon dioxide is escaping. Which of the
following should the surgical technologist check first?
A. light cord
B. camera
C. insufflation tubing
D. ESU - correct answers C. insufflation tubing
Rationale: Insufflation tubing is connected to the CO2 tank or
gas line, and also is connected to the scope. The insufflator is set
to a certain pressure to maintain visibility in the abdomen during
laparoscopic surgery. Connection of the insufflation tubing can
be checked by the ST at scope. Connection of the insufflation
tubing at the insufflator itself, must be checked by a non-sterile
team member.
Which of the following actions by the surgical technologist
reduces the risk of bioburden accumulation on serrated
hemostatic forceps postoperatively?
A. Soak in sterile saline within 24 hours.
B. Soak in enzymatic solution within 20 minutes.
,2
C. Allow to dry completely prior to placing in autoclave.
,3
D. Sterilize with rings together. - correct answers B. Soak in
enzymatic solution within 20 minutes.
Rationale: Instruments are not soaked in saline because it will
pit them. Instruments should not be sterilized with rings
together, because they cannot be properly sterilized. The
instruments dry in sterile processing prior to being placed in the
autoclave.
A patient is undergoing a right partial pneumonectomy. Which
of the following drains should the surgical technologist prepare
for placement at the end of the case?
A. Jackson Pratt
B. chest tube
C. Penrose
D. Hemovac - correct answers B. chest tube
Rationale: Any time the chest cavity is entered and the normally
present negative intrapleural pressure is compromised, a chest
tube must be placed to reestablish the negative pressure. A
penrose is a passive drain that is partially placed within the
wound allowing fluid to move out of the tube onto a dressing.
The Jackson Pratt drain is commonly used for general and
abdominal procedures for moderate drainage. The Hemovac
drainage is commonly used for orthopedics for moderate
drainage.
, 4
Which of the following must the surgical technologist verify
before implants are opened during a total knee
replacement? (Select the three (3) correct answers.)
A. expiration date
B. name of component
C. lot number
D. size
E. manufacturer name - correct answers A. expiration date
B. name of component
D. size
Rationale: Manufacturer name and lot number do not have to
be verified by the surgical technologist, but are charted by the
circulator for documentation. Always verify implant type, size,
and expiration date, prior to opening.
In a sterilized package, a chemical indicator is used to
A. verify elimination of living flora on the package.
B. confirm that the package was exposed to sterilization.
C. show that no moisture entered the package.
D. ensure that the package is sterile. - correct answers B. confirm
that the package was exposed to sterilization.
NCCT CST PRACTICE EXAM
WITH QUESTIONS ANSWERS
AND RATIONALES 2026-27
LATEST UPDATED VERSION
During a laparoscopic procedure, the screen on the monitor
becomes darker and visualization is impaired. The surgeon
discovers that carbon dioxide is escaping. Which of the
following should the surgical technologist check first?
A. light cord
B. camera
C. insufflation tubing
D. ESU - correct answers C. insufflation tubing
Rationale: Insufflation tubing is connected to the CO2 tank or
gas line, and also is connected to the scope. The insufflator is set
to a certain pressure to maintain visibility in the abdomen during
laparoscopic surgery. Connection of the insufflation tubing can
be checked by the ST at scope. Connection of the insufflation
tubing at the insufflator itself, must be checked by a non-sterile
team member.
Which of the following actions by the surgical technologist
reduces the risk of bioburden accumulation on serrated
hemostatic forceps postoperatively?
A. Soak in sterile saline within 24 hours.
B. Soak in enzymatic solution within 20 minutes.
,2
C. Allow to dry completely prior to placing in autoclave.
,3
D. Sterilize with rings together. - correct answers B. Soak in
enzymatic solution within 20 minutes.
Rationale: Instruments are not soaked in saline because it will
pit them. Instruments should not be sterilized with rings
together, because they cannot be properly sterilized. The
instruments dry in sterile processing prior to being placed in the
autoclave.
A patient is undergoing a right partial pneumonectomy. Which
of the following drains should the surgical technologist prepare
for placement at the end of the case?
A. Jackson Pratt
B. chest tube
C. Penrose
D. Hemovac - correct answers B. chest tube
Rationale: Any time the chest cavity is entered and the normally
present negative intrapleural pressure is compromised, a chest
tube must be placed to reestablish the negative pressure. A
penrose is a passive drain that is partially placed within the
wound allowing fluid to move out of the tube onto a dressing.
The Jackson Pratt drain is commonly used for general and
abdominal procedures for moderate drainage. The Hemovac
drainage is commonly used for orthopedics for moderate
drainage.
, 4
Which of the following must the surgical technologist verify
before implants are opened during a total knee
replacement? (Select the three (3) correct answers.)
A. expiration date
B. name of component
C. lot number
D. size
E. manufacturer name - correct answers A. expiration date
B. name of component
D. size
Rationale: Manufacturer name and lot number do not have to
be verified by the surgical technologist, but are charted by the
circulator for documentation. Always verify implant type, size,
and expiration date, prior to opening.
In a sterilized package, a chemical indicator is used to
A. verify elimination of living flora on the package.
B. confirm that the package was exposed to sterilization.
C. show that no moisture entered the package.
D. ensure that the package is sterile. - correct answers B. confirm
that the package was exposed to sterilization.
