NBSTSA CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION A AND B
FULL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
2026
◉ What is the consequence of continuing to remove the appendix
after perforation during a laparoscopic procedure? Answer: It
increases the possibility of postoperative complications.
◉ Why can't a Kelly clamp be placed over a perforation during a
laparoscopic procedure? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: Several fluffed sponges and rolled gauze.
,◉ Why are squared gauze sponges not suitable for a mastoid
dressing? Answer: They are not bulky or compatible for this area of
the body.
◉ What is the purpose of using an abdominal pad in surgical
dressings? Answer: It is primarily for pressure dressings to
eliminate dead space.
◉ What is the significance of using fluffed sponges in complex ear
procedures? Answer: They are required for mastoid dressings.
◉ What is the role of Kerlix or Kling in mastoid dressing
preparation? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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?
Answer: Padding the limb where the tourniquet is to be wrapped
with Webril.
◉ What should be done before applying a pneumatic tourniquet?
Answer: 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? Answer: The Schroeder, which is a tenaculum with a
single tooth.
◉ How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively?
Answer: 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? Answer: 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? 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.
SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION A AND B
FULL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
2026
◉ What is the consequence of continuing to remove the appendix
after perforation during a laparoscopic procedure? Answer: It
increases the possibility of postoperative complications.
◉ Why can't a Kelly clamp be placed over a perforation during a
laparoscopic procedure? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: Several fluffed sponges and rolled gauze.
,◉ Why are squared gauze sponges not suitable for a mastoid
dressing? Answer: They are not bulky or compatible for this area of
the body.
◉ What is the purpose of using an abdominal pad in surgical
dressings? Answer: It is primarily for pressure dressings to
eliminate dead space.
◉ What is the significance of using fluffed sponges in complex ear
procedures? Answer: They are required for mastoid dressings.
◉ What is the role of Kerlix or Kling in mastoid dressing
preparation? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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? Answer: 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?
Answer: Padding the limb where the tourniquet is to be wrapped
with Webril.
◉ What should be done before applying a pneumatic tourniquet?
Answer: 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? Answer: The Schroeder, which is a tenaculum with a
single tooth.
◉ How many lobes do the right and left lungs have, respectively?
Answer: 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? Answer: 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? 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.
