NBSTSA CERTIFIED SURGICAL
TECHNOLOGIST EXAM RESULTS AND
INSIGHTS. EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS VERIFIED
2025/2026.
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, what should the surgical technologist do if the appendix is
perforated? - ANS Suction the fluid from the abdomen to limit postoperative complications.
What is the consequence of continuing to remove the appendix after perforation during a
laparoscopic procedure? - ANS It increases the possibility of postoperative complications.
Why can't a Kelly clamp be placed over a perforation during a laparoscopic procedure? -
ANS This step can only be performed during an open procedure.
What should not be done after a carotid endarterectomy until the patient leaves the room? -
ANS The back table, mayo, and basin should not be torn down.
What is the best practice for handling the back table and instruments after a carotid
endarterectomy? - ANS Keep the back table, mayo, and basin sterile until the patient is
transported to PACU.
What should a surgical technologist prepare for a mastoid dressing? - ANS Several fluffed
sponges and rolled gauze.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Why are squared gauze sponges not suitable for a mastoid dressing? - ANS They are not
bulky or compatible for this area of the body.
What is the purpose of using an abdominal pad in surgical dressings? - ANS It is primarily for
pressure dressings to eliminate dead space.
What is the significance of using fluffed sponges in complex ear procedures? - ANS They are
required for mastoid dressings.
What is the role of Kerlix or Kling in mastoid dressing preparation? - ANS They are types of
rolled gauze used in conjunction with fluffed sponges.
What is a potential issue with using gauze sponges and a Velcro strap for mastoid dressing? -
ANS Gauze sponges need to be fluffed, and a Velcro strap is not necessary for mastoid
dressing.
What is the reference for the surgical technologist's preparation for a mastoid dressing? -
ANS Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach, 2017, 5th
Ed: pg. 632.
What is the reference for the surgical technologist's actions during a laparoscopic
appendectomy? - ANS Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice, 2018, 7th Edition, Joanna
Kotcher Fuller: pg. 532.
What is the reference for the best practices after a carotid endarterectomy? - ANS Surgical
Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach, 2017, 5th Ed: pg. 375.
What is the first step in applying a pneumatic tourniquet? - ANS Padding the limb where the
tourniquet is to be wrapped with Webril.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,What should be done before applying a pneumatic tourniquet? - ANS The limb should be
prepped with ChloraPrep, avoiding the area where the tourniquet will be placed.
Which instrument is used to grasp the cervix during a dilation and curettage? - ANS The
Schroeder, which is a tenaculum with a single tooth.
How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively? - ANS Three lobes in the right
lung and two lobes in the left lung.
What is the significance of the left lung having fewer lobes than the right lung? - ANS The left
lung has only an upper and lower lobe due to the position of the heart.
What should a surgical technologist do when a break in aseptic technique occurs? - ANS First
notify the contaminating team member.
What pathological condition is caused by excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid in the
brain? - ANS Hydrocephalus.
What is hydrocephalus? - ANS It is the excessive production or build-up of cerebrospinal fluid
in the brain or ventricles.
What is an encephalocele? - ANS A brain protrusion through a cranial fissure.
What does cranial bifida refer to? - ANS An incomplete closure of the cranial bones.
What condition is characterized by premature ossification of skull sutures? -
ANS Craniosynostosis.
What is the purpose of wrapping the limb with Webril before applying a tourniquet? - ANS To
provide protection to the area where the tourniquet is placed and inflated.
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, What is the function of the Esmarch bandage in relation to the pneumatic tourniquet? -
ANS It is applied after the Webril and tourniquet have been positioned, used for
exsanguination.
What is the role of the circulating nurse in relation to breaks in aseptic technique? - ANS The
circulating nurse does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a break in
technique.
What is the role of the OR supervisor regarding breaks in aseptic technique? - ANS The OR
supervisor does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a break in technique.
What is the role of the anesthesia provider in relation to breaks in aseptic technique? -
ANS The anesthesia provider does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a
break in technique.
What is the purpose of using a Sims instrument? - ANS It is a vaginal retractor used for
gynecological procedures.
What is the Auvard instrument used for? - ANS It is a weighted vaginal retractor used for
gynecological procedures.
What type of forceps is Bozeman? - ANS It is a long dressing forceps used for packing the
vagina.
What is the recommended action if a break in aseptic technique occurs? - ANS Each person is
responsible for taking appropriate action to correct the error.
What is the main concern with applying prep solution under the tourniquet cuff? - ANS It can
cause burns.
What is the anatomical reason for the difference in lobes between the right and left lungs? -
ANS The left lung has a reduced number of lobes due to the position of the heart.
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
TECHNOLOGIST EXAM RESULTS AND
INSIGHTS. EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS VERIFIED
2025/2026.
During a laparoscopic appendectomy, what should the surgical technologist do if the appendix is
perforated? - ANS Suction the fluid from the abdomen to limit postoperative complications.
What is the consequence of continuing to remove the appendix after perforation during a
laparoscopic procedure? - ANS It increases the possibility of postoperative complications.
Why can't a Kelly clamp be placed over a perforation during a laparoscopic procedure? -
ANS This step can only be performed during an open procedure.
What should not be done after a carotid endarterectomy until the patient leaves the room? -
ANS The back table, mayo, and basin should not be torn down.
What is the best practice for handling the back table and instruments after a carotid
endarterectomy? - ANS Keep the back table, mayo, and basin sterile until the patient is
transported to PACU.
What should a surgical technologist prepare for a mastoid dressing? - ANS Several fluffed
sponges and rolled gauze.
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,Why are squared gauze sponges not suitable for a mastoid dressing? - ANS They are not
bulky or compatible for this area of the body.
What is the purpose of using an abdominal pad in surgical dressings? - ANS It is primarily for
pressure dressings to eliminate dead space.
What is the significance of using fluffed sponges in complex ear procedures? - ANS They are
required for mastoid dressings.
What is the role of Kerlix or Kling in mastoid dressing preparation? - ANS They are types of
rolled gauze used in conjunction with fluffed sponges.
What is a potential issue with using gauze sponges and a Velcro strap for mastoid dressing? -
ANS Gauze sponges need to be fluffed, and a Velcro strap is not necessary for mastoid
dressing.
What is the reference for the surgical technologist's preparation for a mastoid dressing? -
ANS Surgical Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach, 2017, 5th
Ed: pg. 632.
What is the reference for the surgical technologist's actions during a laparoscopic
appendectomy? - ANS Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice, 2018, 7th Edition, Joanna
Kotcher Fuller: pg. 532.
What is the reference for the best practices after a carotid endarterectomy? - ANS Surgical
Technology for the Surgical Technologist: A Positive Care Approach, 2017, 5th Ed: pg. 375.
What is the first step in applying a pneumatic tourniquet? - ANS Padding the limb where the
tourniquet is to be wrapped with Webril.
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
,What should be done before applying a pneumatic tourniquet? - ANS The limb should be
prepped with ChloraPrep, avoiding the area where the tourniquet will be placed.
Which instrument is used to grasp the cervix during a dilation and curettage? - ANS The
Schroeder, which is a tenaculum with a single tooth.
How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively? - ANS Three lobes in the right
lung and two lobes in the left lung.
What is the significance of the left lung having fewer lobes than the right lung? - ANS The left
lung has only an upper and lower lobe due to the position of the heart.
What should a surgical technologist do when a break in aseptic technique occurs? - ANS First
notify the contaminating team member.
What pathological condition is caused by excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid in the
brain? - ANS Hydrocephalus.
What is hydrocephalus? - ANS It is the excessive production or build-up of cerebrospinal fluid
in the brain or ventricles.
What is an encephalocele? - ANS A brain protrusion through a cranial fissure.
What does cranial bifida refer to? - ANS An incomplete closure of the cranial bones.
What condition is characterized by premature ossification of skull sutures? -
ANS Craniosynostosis.
What is the purpose of wrapping the limb with Webril before applying a tourniquet? - ANS To
provide protection to the area where the tourniquet is placed and inflated.
3 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
, What is the function of the Esmarch bandage in relation to the pneumatic tourniquet? -
ANS It is applied after the Webril and tourniquet have been positioned, used for
exsanguination.
What is the role of the circulating nurse in relation to breaks in aseptic technique? - ANS The
circulating nurse does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a break in
technique.
What is the role of the OR supervisor regarding breaks in aseptic technique? - ANS The OR
supervisor does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a break in technique.
What is the role of the anesthesia provider in relation to breaks in aseptic technique? -
ANS The anesthesia provider does not need to be notified to make a decision concerning a
break in technique.
What is the purpose of using a Sims instrument? - ANS It is a vaginal retractor used for
gynecological procedures.
What is the Auvard instrument used for? - ANS It is a weighted vaginal retractor used for
gynecological procedures.
What type of forceps is Bozeman? - ANS It is a long dressing forceps used for packing the
vagina.
What is the recommended action if a break in aseptic technique occurs? - ANS Each person is
responsible for taking appropriate action to correct the error.
What is the main concern with applying prep solution under the tourniquet cuff? - ANS It can
cause burns.
What is the anatomical reason for the difference in lobes between the right and left lungs? -
ANS The left lung has a reduced number of lobes due to the position of the heart.
4 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED.
