Download Surgical Technology Exam Questions and Answers and more Exams General Surgery in PDF only on Docsity!
CST - NBSTSA APP EXAMS QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
"What is the kraske position? - CORRECT ANSWER Anatomical position in which the patient is
prone, with hips flexed and elevated, head and feet down."
"Which position is correct for a dilation and curettage? - CORRECT ANSWER Lithotomy"
"When a hernia is strangulated, which instrument set is added to the general abdominal set-up?
CORRECT ANSWER Gastrointestinal"
"For a splenectomy procedure, which clamp should be used? - CORRECT ANSWER Satinsky"
"Surgical loupes are used to: - CORRECT ANSWER Magnify the surgical field"
"Which position is the patient placed in for a right nephrectomy? - CORRECT ANSWER Left
lateral kidney" "Once a surgical technologist dons a gown, the cuffs on the gown are considered unsterile
because they are: - CORRECT ANSWER Absorbant and collect moisture"
"Instruments that come in contact with the appendiceal stump during an appendectomy should
be: - CORRECT ANSWER Placed in a separate bin"
"Which instrument is used to cross-clamp the intestine during a bowel resection? - CORRECT
ANSWER Allen"
"The primary purpose of chest tubes is to: - CORRECT ANSWER Re-establish the negative
pressure"
"Traction sutures are used on common duct explorations to: - CORRECT ANSWER Hold the
duct open" "The appendiceal stump, when inverted, is held in place by which of the following types of
suture? - CORRECT ANSWER Purse-string"
"Which catheter is most commonly used to perform an embolectomy? - CORRECT ANSWER
Fogarty"
"A resectoscope is used in what prostatic approach? - CORRECT ANSWER Transurethral"
"Which retractor is preferred for a groin incision? - CORRECT ANSWER Weitlaner"
"Sponges that have been added to the sterile field after a procedure has begun should be counted
by the: - CORRECT ANSWER Surgical technologist in the scrub role and the circulator"
"What is a procedure for removing excess skin from the face and neck? - CORRECT ANSWER
Rhytidectomy"
"Which rongeur is used to expand the antrostomy in a Caldwell-Luc procedure? - CORRECT
ANSWER Kerrison"
"Which solution is used to identify diseased areas for a cold conization of the cervix? - CORRECT
ANSWER Lugol's"
"When using power saws on bone, what action best helps prevent bone damage? - CORRECT
ANSWER Irrigation"
"Which retractor is used in a C-section? - CORRECT ANSWER De Lee"
"A nasogastric tube (NG) is used to: - CORRECT ANSWER Drain the stomach"
"Which procedure requires an incision in the suprasternal nothc? - CORRECT ANSWER
Mediastinoscopy"
"The surgical technologist in the scrub role must keep track of blood loss as well as: - CORRECT
ANSWER Track amount of irrigation used"
"Following an abdominal surgery, the surgeon has just closed the peritoneum. Which layer will be
sutured next? - CORRECT ANSWER Fascia"
"While removing peel pack instruments from the sterilizer, a surgical technologist notices several
of the packages have ruptured. What would most likely be the cause of this? - CORRECT
ANSWER The air was not evacuated from the pouch"
"Which layer is transected when a subcostal flank incision is used from a nephrectomy? -
CORRECT ANSWER Oblique muscles"
"In order to remove a portion of the kidney, the surgeon must enter what? - CORRECT
ANSWER Gerota's fascia"
"What lies between the lung and the chest wall? - CORRECT ANSWER pleura"
"Where is the gastrocnemius muscle located? - CORRECT ANSWER Calf"
"What is the most serious complication of a strangulated hernia? - CORRECT ANSWER
Necrosis" "Which surgical procedure may be used to remove a carcinoma from the head of the pancreas?
CORRECT ANSWER Whipple"
"A scleral buckle procedure repairs: - CORRECT ANSWER Detached retinas"
"Which procedure treats a congenital obstructed lesion found at the distal end of an infant's
stomach? - CORRECT ANSWER Pyloromyotomy"
"What is the surgical correction of a Colles' fracture? - CORRECT ANSWER The distal radius is
fractured and the periosteum will be closed with absorbable sutures"
"What surgery is a Meckel's diverticulum typically discovered? - CORRECT ANSWER
Appendectomy"
"Which structure is behind and below the base of the penis? - CORRECT ANSWER Scrotum"
"When performing a right hemicolectomy, the surgeon will most likely remove portions of what?
- CORRECT ANSWER Ascending and transverse colon"
"What destroys bacterial spores? - CORRECT ANSWER Sterilant"
"The primary purpose of a local anesthetic is to: - CORRECT ANSWER Block peripheral nerve
receptors"
"How is propofol (Diprivan) administered? - CORRECT ANSWER Intravenously"
"A physician prescribed 50 mg of Demerol. The Demerol is supplied in 100 mg/mL. How many mL
of Demerol should be given? - CORRECT ANSWER 0.5 mL"
"A patient presented in the OR without family history related to anesthesia complications. Which
complication is of most concern related to the lack of family history? - CORRECT ANSWER
Malignant hyperthermia"
"The primary consideration in selecting an appropriate anesthetic agent is the: - CORRECT
ANSWER Physiologic condition of the patient"
"Which anticoagulant should be given during a vascular procedure to prevent normal blood
clotting? - CORRECT ANSWER Heparin sodium"
"A form of contrast media used within the body that is visible when exposed to x-ray is: -
CORRECT ANSWER Radiopaque"
"A sterile item used with an electrosurgical unit is the: - CORRECT ANSWER Active electrode"
"A pneumatic tourniquet may be used for surgery for: - CORRECT ANSWER Reduce blood loss"
"A device used to measure fluid pressure is known as a: - CORRECT ANSWER Manometer"
"An instrument used for measuring the air capacity of lungs is known as: - CORRECT ANSWER
Spirometer" "A monitoring device that measures and numerically displays the concentration of carbon dioxide
in exhaled air is called: - CORRECT ANSWER Capnometer"
"What can be used to remove clots and tissue from the bladder during transurethral resections
(TURPs)? - CORRECT ANSWER Ellik elevator"
"Which retractor may be used during an open cholecystectomy? - CORRECT ANSWER
Harrington"
"What may be used when applying a sterile dressing to a skin graft site? - CORRECT ANSWER
Pressure dressing" "Which procedure involves the entire natural lens of the eye, including the capsule that holds it in
place, to be removed? - CORRECT ANSWER Intracapsular extraction"
"This procedure is performed by removing the lens of the eye while the elastic capsule that covers
the lens is left partially intact to allow implantation of an intraocular lens. - CORRECT ANSWER
Extracapsular extraction"
"What procedure repairs a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm? - CORRECT ANSWER
Excision with graft placement"
"This is the removal of material on the inside of an artery. - CORRECT ANSWER
Endarterectomy"
"What surgical procedure is done as a treatment for high blood pressure in the liver? - CORRECT
ANSWER Portacaval shunt"
"What is the first step when performing a myringotomy? - CORRECT ANSWER Removal of
cerumen from the ear canal"
"Which sponge can be used directly on the structure of the brain? - CORRECT ANSWER
Cottonoid"
"Who is responsible for the proper care and handling of an intraoperative specimen? - CORRECT
ANSWER Surgical technologist in the scrub role and the circulator"
"During a procedure, a surgical technologist touches an unsterile item with a sterile glove. What
should be done? - CORRECT ANSWER Change the glove at once"
"What is used for sponging around the spinal cord? - CORRECT ANSWER Cottonoids"
"During a craniotomy, removal of the bone flap is followed by: - CORRECT ANSWER Incision of
the dura mater"
"What stapler should be used for end-to-end intestinal resection? - CORRECT ANSWER EEA"
"What is the surgical operation to remove the back of one or more vertebrae, usually to give
access to the spinal cord or to relieve pressure on nerves? - CORRECT ANSWER Laminectomy"
"This procedure is performed to disable selected pain-conducting tracts in the spinal cord, in
order to achieve loss of pain and temperature perception. - CORRECT ANSWER Cordotomy"
"What is the most important consideration when cutting suture? - CORRECT ANSWER Avoid
cutting the knot"
"During a laminectomy, disk material is removed with: - CORRECT ANSWER Pituitary rongeur"
"Retention sutures are advantageous when the patient is: - CORRECT ANSWER Obese"
"A three-way Foley catheter is inserted following a TURP in order to: - CORRECT ANSWER
Irrigate and facilitate hemostasis" "What is the best placement area for the electrosurgical grounding pad for a patient in the
lithotomy position? - CORRECT ANSWER Anterior thigh"
"What is used to oxygenate and circulate blood? - CORRECT ANSWER Extracorporeal bypass"
"This treatment is used for life threatening cardiac dysrythmias and ventricular fibrillation. -
CORRECT ANSWER Defibrillator"
"During an anterior cervical fusion, a bone graft is taken in order to fuse the vertebral: -
CORRECT ANSWER Body"
"What is high blood pressure? - CORRECT ANSWER Hypertension"
"Which needle is most appropriately used in a liver resection? - CORRECT ANSWER Blunt"
or experience, what actions should be taken? - CORRECT ANSWER Quietly coach the new
employee in the background"
"A pneumatic tourniquet may be used for extremity surgery to: - CORRECT ANSWER reduce
blood loss"
"What is not acceptable when draping the patient? - CORRECT ANSWER Readjusting the
drapes as necessary after placement"
"What position should a patient be placed for a low anterior colon resection? - CORRECT
ANSWER Lithotomy"
"What might a brain spoon be used for? - CORRECT ANSWER Cerebral aneurysm"
"A perforator is used for which procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER Craniotomy"
"During an open repair of an indirect hernia, which drain should a surgical technologist have
available to pass the surgeon once the spermatic cord has been dissected? - CORRECT
ANSWER Penrose"
"What term refers to an abnormal thoracic curve of the spin referred to as "hunchback"? -
CORRECT ANSWER Kyphosis"
"To which portion of the colon is the appendix attached? - CORRECT ANSWER Cecum"
"What is the surgical position commonly used for thyroid and gallbladder surgery? - CORRECT
ANSWER Reverse Trendelenburg"
"Which muscle type is striated and voluntary? - CORRECT ANSWER Skeletal"
"What is the medical term for a bunion? - CORRECT ANSWER Hallux Varus"
"Which structure has oral, nasal, and laryngeal divisions? - CORRECT ANSWER Pharynx"
"Who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the surgical informed consent? - CORRECT
ANSWER Surgeon"
"Which indicator/monitor provides positive assurance of sterility? - CORRECT ANSWER
Biological"
"The enzyme used to soften the zonules of the lens before cataract surgery is: - CORRECT
ANSWER alpha-chymotrypsin"
"What is the name of the urinary catheter with a small, curved tapered tip used on patients with
urethral strictures? - CORRECT ANSWER Coude"
"The Bowie-Dick test is performed: - CORRECT ANSWER daily"
"Which organism is normal resident flora of the intestinal tract? - CORRECT ANSWER
Escherichia coli"
"A partially dislocated joint is called: - CORRECT ANSWER sublaxation"
"What tumor is typically benign, encapsulated, and arises from tissue covering the central
nervous system structures? - CORRECT ANSWER Meningioma"
"How many hours must an item submerse in glutaraldehyde to sterilize? - CORRECT ANSWER
"Which position is most commonly used for neurosurgical procedures? - CORRECT ANSWER
Supine"
"What is the term for thread-like appendages that provide bacteria with motion? - CORRECT
ANSWER Flagella"
"How many hours must the steam sterilization biological indicator incubate? - CORRECT
ANSWER 24"
"According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which is the patient experiencing when (s)he trusts
the surgical team's abilities? - CORRECT ANSWER Safety"
"What is an abnormal tract between two epithelium-lined surfaces that is open at both ends? -
CORRECT ANSWER Fistula"
"The apron-like structure attached to the greater curvature of the stomach is the: - CORRECT
ANSWER omentum"
"What is the name of the condition in which a loop of bowel herniates into the Douglas' cul-de-
sac? - CORRECT ANSWER Enterocele"
"Medication used to dilate the pupil is called: - CORRECT ANSWER mydriatics"
"The surgical pack utilized to create the sterile field should be opened on the: - CORRECT
ANSWER back table"
"What is the procedure for telescoping the intestines in neonates, requiring immediate surgical
intervention? - CORRECT ANSWER Intussusception"
"Which surgical team member determines when the patient can be transported from the OR to
the PACU? - CORRECT ANSWER Anesthesia provider"
"What is the first part of the small intestine? - CORRECT ANSWER Duodenum"
"The middle part of the small intestine is the: - CORRECT ANSWER Jejunum"
"The third part of the small intestine that attaches to the colon is known as what? - CORRECT
ANSWER Ileum"
"The large intestine extends from the: - CORRECT ANSWER cecum to anus"
"What are the parts of the large intestine, in order? - CORRECT ANSWER Ascending colon to
transverse colon to descending colon to sigmoid colon, finishing at the rectum" "A congenital defect in which the fetal blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and aorta does
not close is: - CORRECT ANSWER ventricular septal defect"
"A congenital heart condition involving four abnormalities occurring together, including a defective septum between the ventricles and narrowing of the pulmonary artery, and
accompanied by cyanosis, is known as: - CORRECT ANSWER tetralogy of fallot"
"The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that allows blood to go around the baby's lungs before
birth. What is the condition in which this does not close? - CORRECT ANSWER Patent ductus
arteriosus"
"The agent used to flush an artery to prevent clotting is: - CORRECT ANSWER heparin"
"What is the enzyme in blood plasma that causes the clotting of blood by converting fibrinogen to
fibrin? - CORRECT ANSWER Thrombin"
"Which drug is used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin? - CORRECT ANSWER
Protamine sulfate"
"When a patient's blood pressure is 135/81, the 135 refers to: - CORRECT ANSWER systolic"
"This refers to the amount of pressure in arteries during contractions of the heart muscle. -
CORRECT ANSWER Systolic pressure"
"What is the number that refers to blood pressure when the heart muscle is between beats? -
CORRECT ANSWER Diastolic pressure"
"When using an autoclave, what is the minimum temperature and time of exposure? - CORRECT
ANSWER 121 degrees for 15-20 minutes"
"What is the medical term referring to the middle of the body? - CORRECT ANSWER Medial"
"Cartilage is what type of tissue? - CORRECT ANSWER Connective"
"What is the minimum exposure time for a flash sterilizer for an unwrapped instrument? -
CORRECT ANSWER 3 minutes"
“Tympanosplasty - CORRECT ANSWER Surgical operation performed for the reconstruction of
the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and/or small bones of the middle ear (ossicles)" "After gowning and gloving, a surgeon activates the Duraprep applicator and proceeds to prep
the patient for surgery. What is the best action to take at this time? - CORRECT ANSWER
Regown and reglove the surgeon"
"What position is used for a pneumonectomy? - CORRECT ANSWER Lateral"
"A surgeon is preparing to close the abdomen of an average weight patient. Which closing
supplies should the surgical technologist have ready for closing the fascial layer? - CORRECT
ANSWER 2-0 suture and toothed tissue forceps"
"While preparing a sterile field, a surgical technologist secures the Bovie holster to the Mayo stand. The surgeon insists on keeping the Bovie by him toward the head of the patient. What
would be the best course of action? - CORRECT ANSWER Move Bovie holster up by the head of
the patient" "A surgeon is performing a procedure to repair damage from a gunshot wound to the chest. Which type of drain should the surgical technologist have available at the end of the procedure?
CORRECT ANSWER Underwater"
"Following a surgical procedure, what is the best sequence of actions for a surgical technologist to
take? - CORRECT ANSWER Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and gloves, and don a pair of
unsterile gloves to aid in the care of the postoperative patient" "To prevent contamination at the end of a surgical procedure, what should be removed last by
the surgical technologist in the scrub role? - CORRECT ANSWER Surgical drapes"
"An RN has just asked a surgical technologist to complete a task that is within the surgical technologist's scope of practice, but the surgical technologist does not feel comfortable
completing the task independently. What is the surgical technologist's best course of action? -
CORRECT ANSWER Request that the RN provides the appropriate level of supervision during
the task to ensure safety" "During a herniaorraphy, the abdominal area that is bound by the rectus abdominis muscle, the
inguinal ligament, and the inferior epigastric vessels is the: - CORRECT ANSWER Hesselbach
triangle"
"Scoliosis is most commonly found in which curve of the vertebral column? - CORRECT
ANSWER Thoracic"
"When performing a Shirodkar procedure, where is the attention being focused? - CORRECT
ANSWER Cervix"
"A patient entering the operating room for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy looks jaundiced.
What is the best explanation for this? - CORRECT ANSWER Biliary obstruction"
"A patient who is HIV-positive is having an abdominal procedure. Another patient who is HIV- negative is having an orthopedic procedure. During and subsequent to the cases, the surgical
technologist should take: - CORRECT ANSWER Standard precautions for both patients"
"Which wound class is assigned to a bowel case in which the resident perforated during the
procedure? - CORRECT ANSWER III"
"What is an example of a wound in the inflammatory phase of wound healing? - CORRECT
ANSWER An abdominal incision, 20 minutes post-closure"
"What is the desired effect of atropine sulfate when used as a preoperative medication? -
CORRECT ANSWER Drying of secretions"
"Which condition is triggered by an injection of succinylcholine (Anectine) and causes an
unusually high fever? - CORRECT ANSWER Malignant hyperthermia"
"What is the correct skin preparation for a female patient undergoing a right mastectomy with
possible axillary dissection? - CORRECT ANSWER Shoulder, upper arm and extending down to
the elbow, axilla, chest to the table line, and to the left shoulder"
"When donning gloves using the open-gloving technique, the ungloved hand will touch the: -
CORRECT ANSWER Folded edge of the cuff of the glove"
"A patient's dentures are removed in the operating room. What is the proper procedure for the
care of the dentures? - CORRECT ANSWER Place them in a labeled denture cup and keep them
with the patient's chart" "During a procedure, a surgical technologist notices a hole in his glove. What should be done
next? - CORRECT ANSWER Change the glove using the open-gloving technique"
"A patient undergoing a blood transfusion is having a hemolytic reaction. What should the
healthcare provider do first? - CORRECT ANSWER Stop the transfusion"
"Which instrument is most likely used to stabilize a cervical fracture? - CORRECT ANSWER
Mayfield clamp"
"The diagnostic procedure that examines the interior of the respiratory structures is: - CORRECT
ANSWER Bronchoscopy"
"If the parents of a dependent minor requiring emergency surgery cannot be located, the
operative consent form for surgery may be signed by: - CORRECT ANSWER Two consulting
physicians" "When exposed to ionizing radiation, staff and patients should wear personal protective
equipment containing: - CORRECT ANSWER Lead"
"While speaking to the nurse in the pre-operative area, the patient is crying excessively, pouting,
and acting like a child. Which coping mechanism is most likely being displayed? - CORRECT
ANSWER Regression"
"Which of the following describes events that would require filing an incident report?
- Medication error
- Bullying
- Cardiac or respiratory arrest
4. Equipment failure prior to surgery - CORRECT ANSWER 1, 2, and 3 only"
"Which legal principle applies when the patient is given the wrong dose of the local anesthetic? -
CORRECT ANSWER Res ipsa loquitor"
"Which instrument is used by the surgeon to intermittently remove prostatic tissue fragments
during a TURP? - CORRECT ANSWER Ellik evacuator"
"Permission for treatment given with full knowledge of the risks is a(n): - CORRECT ANSWER
Informed consent" "What is the recommended maximum time limit for a tourniquet to remain inflated on an adult
lower extremity? - CORRECT ANSWER 1.5 hours"
"What type of procedure would involve the removal of teeth? - CORRECT ANSWER
Extraction" "Which procedure would be listed in the OR schedule for a patient undergoing surgical treatment
of uterine fibroids? - CORRECT ANSWER Myomectomy"
"What is the surgical procedure that repairs a defect in the wall of the vagina? - CORRECT
ANSWER Colporrahaphy"
"This procedure happens when the cervix opens too early during pregnancy, sometimes causing a
miscarriage or premature birth. - CORRECT ANSWER Cervical cerclage"
"What is the procedure that removes all organs from a person's pelvic cavity? - CORRECT
ANSWER Pelvic exenteration"
"Which regulation states that blood and body fluids should be considered infectious? -
CORRECT ANSWER Standard Precautions"
