NBSTSA CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
SELF-ASSESSMENT A AND B FINAL PAPER FULL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
◉ What is the purpose of sending a specimen in a dry container for a
frozen section? Answer: To allow for immediate diagnosis.
◉ What is the consequence of sending a specimen in a container
containing normal saline? Answer: It will alter the freezing process
and is not appropriate for a frozen section.
◉ What is the significance of a frozen section in surgical
procedures? Answer: It allows for immediate pathological diagnosis.
◉ What is the role of Coban in the surgical setting? Answer: To hold
the stockinette in place, not to displace blood.
◉ What is the primary use of a stockinette in surgical procedures?
Answer: To maintain aseptic principles.
◉ What is the main goal of immediate use sterilization? Answer: To
ensure instruments are sterile for immediate surgical use.
,◉ What are the consequences of not properly sterilizing surgical
instruments? Answer: Increased risk of infection and complications
during surgery.
◉ What is the significance of understanding the role of hormones
like ADH in surgical technology? Answer: It is crucial for managing
fluid balance during surgical procedures.
◉ How does the Esmarch bandage assist in surgical procedures?
Answer: It helps in blood displacement to improve surgical visibility.
◉ What is the importance of proper specimen handling in
pathology? Answer: It ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment
planning.
◉ What is the first step in the process when a frozen section is
requested by a surgeon? Answer: A frozen section should be
completed first since the surgeon has requested an immediate
diagnosis.
◉ What should be done with the specimen before sending it to
pathology for a frozen section? Answer: The specimen should be
sent in a dry specimen container; normal saline and formalin should
not be used as they will alter the freezing process.
,◉ What is the legal term for spoken defamation in a professional
setting? Answer: Slander.
◉ What is the difference between libel and slander? Answer: Libel is
defamation in writing, while slander is spoken defamation.
◉ What must be done before sterilizing an instrument with a
lumen? Answer: Inject a small amount of distilled water into the
lumen.
◉ Why is it important to inject water into the lumen before
sterilization? Answer: During sterilization, the water turns to steam
and forces air out of the lumen, which is necessary for effective
sterilization.
◉ What should be avoided when preparing instrument trays for
sterilization? Answer: Instrument trays should not contain
separately wrapped items in peel pack pouches, as air can become
trapped and prevent steam from reaching all surfaces.
◉ What should occur immediately after a Veress needle is inserted?
Answer: Connect the insufflation tubing to establish
pneumoperitoneum.
, ◉ What is the role of the trocar in the procedure involving a Veress
needle? Answer: The trocar is placed after insufflation of the
abdomen has been established with CO2.
◉ What must be verified before using the camera during a surgical
procedure? Answer: The white balance of the camera must be
verified for complete clarity and resolution.
◉ What distinguishes prions from other infectious agents? Answer:
Prions are unique because they lack DNA and RNA.
◉ What is the definition of tort in a legal context? Answer: Tort is the
legal wrongdoing that results in injury to a person or property.
◉ What is malpractice in the context of healthcare? Answer:
Malpractice is negligence committed by a professional healthcare
worker.
◉ What should not be used to send a specimen for a frozen section?
Answer: Normal saline and formalin should not be used as they will
alter the freezing process.
◉ What is the purpose of connecting insufflation tubing to the
Veress needle? Answer: To establish pneumoperitoneum.
SELF-ASSESSMENT A AND B FINAL PAPER FULL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026
◉ What is the purpose of sending a specimen in a dry container for a
frozen section? Answer: To allow for immediate diagnosis.
◉ What is the consequence of sending a specimen in a container
containing normal saline? Answer: It will alter the freezing process
and is not appropriate for a frozen section.
◉ What is the significance of a frozen section in surgical
procedures? Answer: It allows for immediate pathological diagnosis.
◉ What is the role of Coban in the surgical setting? Answer: To hold
the stockinette in place, not to displace blood.
◉ What is the primary use of a stockinette in surgical procedures?
Answer: To maintain aseptic principles.
◉ What is the main goal of immediate use sterilization? Answer: To
ensure instruments are sterile for immediate surgical use.
,◉ What are the consequences of not properly sterilizing surgical
instruments? Answer: Increased risk of infection and complications
during surgery.
◉ What is the significance of understanding the role of hormones
like ADH in surgical technology? Answer: It is crucial for managing
fluid balance during surgical procedures.
◉ How does the Esmarch bandage assist in surgical procedures?
Answer: It helps in blood displacement to improve surgical visibility.
◉ What is the importance of proper specimen handling in
pathology? Answer: It ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment
planning.
◉ What is the first step in the process when a frozen section is
requested by a surgeon? Answer: A frozen section should be
completed first since the surgeon has requested an immediate
diagnosis.
◉ What should be done with the specimen before sending it to
pathology for a frozen section? Answer: The specimen should be
sent in a dry specimen container; normal saline and formalin should
not be used as they will alter the freezing process.
,◉ What is the legal term for spoken defamation in a professional
setting? Answer: Slander.
◉ What is the difference between libel and slander? Answer: Libel is
defamation in writing, while slander is spoken defamation.
◉ What must be done before sterilizing an instrument with a
lumen? Answer: Inject a small amount of distilled water into the
lumen.
◉ Why is it important to inject water into the lumen before
sterilization? Answer: During sterilization, the water turns to steam
and forces air out of the lumen, which is necessary for effective
sterilization.
◉ What should be avoided when preparing instrument trays for
sterilization? Answer: Instrument trays should not contain
separately wrapped items in peel pack pouches, as air can become
trapped and prevent steam from reaching all surfaces.
◉ What should occur immediately after a Veress needle is inserted?
Answer: Connect the insufflation tubing to establish
pneumoperitoneum.
, ◉ What is the role of the trocar in the procedure involving a Veress
needle? Answer: The trocar is placed after insufflation of the
abdomen has been established with CO2.
◉ What must be verified before using the camera during a surgical
procedure? Answer: The white balance of the camera must be
verified for complete clarity and resolution.
◉ What distinguishes prions from other infectious agents? Answer:
Prions are unique because they lack DNA and RNA.
◉ What is the definition of tort in a legal context? Answer: Tort is the
legal wrongdoing that results in injury to a person or property.
◉ What is malpractice in the context of healthcare? Answer:
Malpractice is negligence committed by a professional healthcare
worker.
◉ What should not be used to send a specimen for a frozen section?
Answer: Normal saline and formalin should not be used as they will
alter the freezing process.
◉ What is the purpose of connecting insufflation tubing to the
Veress needle? Answer: To establish pneumoperitoneum.
