NBSTSA CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAM A AND B
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM REVIEW WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ What should a surgical technologist do when a break in aseptic
technique occurs? Answer: First notify the contaminating team
member.
◉ What pathological condition is caused by excessive production of
cerebrospinal fluid in the brain? Answer: Hydrocephalus.
◉ What is hydrocephalus? Answer: It is the excessive production or
build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain or ventricles.
◉ What is an encephalocele? Answer: A brain protrusion through a
cranial fissure.
◉ What does cranial bifida refer to? Answer: An incomplete closure
of the cranial bones.
◉ What condition is characterized by premature ossification of skull
sutures? Answer: Craniosynostosis.
,◉ What is the purpose of wrapping the limb with Webril before
applying a tourniquet? Answer: To provide protection to the area
where the tourniquet is placed and inflated.
◉ What is the function of the Esmarch bandage in relation to the
pneumatic tourniquet? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: It is a
vaginal retractor used for gynecological procedures.
,◉ What is the Auvard instrument used for? Answer: It is a weighted
vaginal retractor used for gynecological procedures.
◉ What type of forceps is Bozeman? Answer: It is a long dressing
forceps used for packing the vagina.
◉ What is the recommended action if a break in aseptic technique
occurs? Answer: 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? Answer: It can cause burns.
◉ What is the anatomical reason for the difference in lobes between
the right and left lungs? Answer: The left lung has a reduced number
of lobes due to the position of the heart.
◉ What should a surgical technologist request if unexpected heavy
blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure? Answer: Lap
sponges, as they are used to provide pressure on bleeding vessels or
to absorb excess blood.
◉ What should be done with Raytec sponges during a surgical
procedure? Answer: They should be secured to a sponge stick or
removed from the field.
, ◉ Why are Kitners not useful for controlling major bleeding?
Answer: Kitners are too small and will not be effective in stopping
major bleeding.
◉ What is the primary use of cottonoids in surgery? Answer:
Cottonoids may be used for small areas only and are not effective for
controlling major bleeding.
◉ Where does growth in the length of a long bone occur? Answer: At
the epiphyseal plate, also known as the growth plate.
◉ What is the diaphysis of a long bone? Answer: The diaphysis is the
shaft of the long bone and does not contribute to bone growth.
◉ What is the function of the medullary canal in a long bone?
Answer: The medullary canal contains bone marrow, which supplies
nutrients to the bone.
◉ What is the role of articular cartilage in bones? Answer: Articular
cartilage is elastic supportive tissue at the ends of bones and does
not contribute to bone growth.
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAM A AND B
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM REVIEW WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ What should a surgical technologist do when a break in aseptic
technique occurs? Answer: First notify the contaminating team
member.
◉ What pathological condition is caused by excessive production of
cerebrospinal fluid in the brain? Answer: Hydrocephalus.
◉ What is hydrocephalus? Answer: It is the excessive production or
build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain or ventricles.
◉ What is an encephalocele? Answer: A brain protrusion through a
cranial fissure.
◉ What does cranial bifida refer to? Answer: An incomplete closure
of the cranial bones.
◉ What condition is characterized by premature ossification of skull
sutures? Answer: Craniosynostosis.
,◉ What is the purpose of wrapping the limb with Webril before
applying a tourniquet? Answer: To provide protection to the area
where the tourniquet is placed and inflated.
◉ What is the function of the Esmarch bandage in relation to the
pneumatic tourniquet? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: It is a
vaginal retractor used for gynecological procedures.
,◉ What is the Auvard instrument used for? Answer: It is a weighted
vaginal retractor used for gynecological procedures.
◉ What type of forceps is Bozeman? Answer: It is a long dressing
forceps used for packing the vagina.
◉ What is the recommended action if a break in aseptic technique
occurs? Answer: 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? Answer: It can cause burns.
◉ What is the anatomical reason for the difference in lobes between
the right and left lungs? Answer: The left lung has a reduced number
of lobes due to the position of the heart.
◉ What should a surgical technologist request if unexpected heavy
blood loss occurs during an abdominal procedure? Answer: Lap
sponges, as they are used to provide pressure on bleeding vessels or
to absorb excess blood.
◉ What should be done with Raytec sponges during a surgical
procedure? Answer: They should be secured to a sponge stick or
removed from the field.
, ◉ Why are Kitners not useful for controlling major bleeding?
Answer: Kitners are too small and will not be effective in stopping
major bleeding.
◉ What is the primary use of cottonoids in surgery? Answer:
Cottonoids may be used for small areas only and are not effective for
controlling major bleeding.
◉ Where does growth in the length of a long bone occur? Answer: At
the epiphyseal plate, also known as the growth plate.
◉ What is the diaphysis of a long bone? Answer: The diaphysis is the
shaft of the long bone and does not contribute to bone growth.
◉ What is the function of the medullary canal in a long bone?
Answer: The medullary canal contains bone marrow, which supplies
nutrients to the bone.
◉ What is the role of articular cartilage in bones? Answer: Articular
cartilage is elastic supportive tissue at the ends of bones and does
not contribute to bone growth.
