NBSTSA CST CERTIFICATION EXAM 2025 NEWEST ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & DETAILED CORRECT ANSWERS, Exams of Nursing

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NBSTSA CST CERTIFICATION EXAM

2025 NEWESTA ACTUAL EXAM

QUESTIONS AND DETAILED CORRECT

ANSWER

During application of a Volar splint, the surgical technologist notices that the splint was not completely dried and has caused a pressure point on the patient. Which of the following should be the surgical technologist's NEXT step? A.Allow the splint to remain as-is and allow more time to dry. B.Notify the nurse and let the nurse handle it. C.Bring it to the surgeon's attention and assist in putting on a new splint. D.Apply a new splint and notify the surgeon when finished. Correct Answer C.Bring it to the surgeon's attention and assist in putting on a new splint. Sponges that have been added to the sterile field after a procedure has begun should be counted by the A.circulator and surgeon. B.surgical technologist and surgical first assistant. C.surgeon and surgical first assistant. D.surgical technologist and the circulator. Correct Answer D.surgical technologist and the circulator.

Which of the following spore-forming microorganisms are used as biological monitors for checking steam sterilization effectiveness for a load of instruments in a rigid container? A.Bacillus stearothermophilus B.Bacillus atrophaeus C.Mycobacterium tuberculosis D.Streptococcus pyogenes Correct Answer A.Bacillus stearothermophilus After surgery, the scrub tech takes the instruments used in surgery to the decontamination area. How soon should these instruments be washed? A.within 20 minutes B.within 10 minutes C.as soon as they arrive to the decontamination area D.any time the technologist is available Correct Answer A.within 20 minutes Which of the following types of laser is typically used for stone fragmentation in the ureter? A.argon B.krypton C.carbon dioxide D.holmium: YAG Correct Answer D.holmium: YAG

If a patient is undergoing a mastectomy immediately followed by reconstruction, how many surgical setups should be obtained? A.One; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, so the same instruments can be used without additional interventions. B.One; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, so the same instruments can be used after they are cleaned with sterile water. C.Two; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, but a second set of instruments should be used to prevent seeding. D.Two; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, but it will be done in a different OR so two sets are needed. Correct Answer C.Two; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, but a second set of instruments should be used to prevent seeding. Which of the following instruments is used to thread a vascular graft from one incision to another? A.hemostat B.tunneler C.DeBakey vascular forceps D.Randall Stone forceps Correct Answer B.tunneler A patient has developed a hematoma at the incision site after the surgeon has left the room. The surgical technologist should

A.place a pressure dressing on the site. B.cover the site with Dermabond. C.use a Steri-Strip for the incision site. D.request the surgeon to return. Correct Answer D.request the surgeon to return. The surgical technologist hands the surgeon the dressing at the end of a procedure. Which of the following is the BEST method to follow in regard to removing the drape? A.The circulator applies the tape before the removal of the drape. B.The circulator assists the surgeon with cleaning the patient before removing the drape. C.A sterile team member holds the dressing in place while the drape is removed. D.A sterile team member applies the tape after the drape has been removed. Correct Answer C.A sterile team member holds the dressing in place while the drape is removed. Following an abdominal surgery, the surgeon has just closed the peritoneum. Which of the following layers will be sutured NEXT? A.fascia B.muscle C.subcutaneous D.subcuticular Correct Answer A.fascia

Which of the following arteries is commonly used for taking a blood pressure reading? A. radial B. femoral C.√ brachial D. popliteal Correct Answer C.brachial Which of the following is applied as a nonadherent dressing? A.Adaptic B.Dermabond C.Steri-Strip D.Elastoplast Correct Answer A.Adaptic When donning gloves using the open-gloving technique, the ungloved hand will touch the A.outer side of the cuff of the glove. B.outer side of the sterile glove. C.cuffed edge nearest the glove palm. D.folded edge of the cuff of the glove. Correct Answer D.folded edge of the cuff of the glove. Necrotizing fasciitis confined to the perineum and scrotum is known as

A.cellulitis. B.Gerota's fasciitis. C.boil. D.Fournier's gangrene. Correct Answer D.Fournier's gangrene. Where is the gastrocnemius muscle located? A.arm B.calf C.back D.thigh Correct Answer B.calf For a splenectomy procedure, which of the following clamps should be used? A.Allen B.Doyen C.Duval D.Satinsky Correct Answer D.Satinsky A cystectomy with ileal conduit procedure was performed. The surgical technologist anticipates the need for a stoma A.pouch to collect body fluids. B.flange to create an artificial orifice. C.pouch to heal the wound. D.collar to provide suction for drainage. Correct Answer A.pouch to collect body fluids

IUSS sterilizers are typically located in an area A.that is designated as a restricted sub-sterile room. B.in the semi-restricted corridor with other equipment. C.outside of the OR department. D.inside a designated OR. Correct Answer A.that is designated as a restricted sub-sterile room. Which of the following surgical needles is MOST appropriate for use in a liver resection? A.cutting B.taper C.blunt D.trocar Correct Answer C.blunt To help in the calculation of the amount of blood loss, the surgical technologist should A.weigh the blood-soaked sponges. B.measure the amount of collected fluid. C.administer the blood replacement. D.report the amount of irrigation used. Correct Answer D.report the amount of irrigation used. During dilation and curettage, after the Auvard weighted vaginal speculum is placed, which of the following instruments is used to grasp the cervix? A.Hegar dilator B.uterine sound

C.Sim's curette D.single tooth tenaculum Correct Answer D.single tooth tenaculum Which of the following is the MOST accurate method to check steam autoclave effectiveness? A.chemical indicator B.biological indicator C.external tape D.temperature recording device Correct Answer B.biological indicator Following a surgical procedure, which of the following is the BEST sequence of actions for a surgical technologist to take? A.Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and gloves, and don a pair of unsterile gloves to aid in the care of the patient. B.Remove gown and gloves, don a pair of unsterile gloves to remove drapes from the patient, and remove instruments and supplies from the back table. C.Remove gown and gloves, don a pair of sterile gloves to remove drapes from the patient, then replace those gloves with a pair of unsterile gloves to clean the back table. D.Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and gloves, and don a pair of sterile gloves to clean the back table. Correct Answer A.Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and gloves, and don a pair of unsterile gloves to aid in the care of the patient.

Which of the following will place a staff member at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders? A.working in the same posture for prolonged periods B.making small adjustments to a chair or backrest C.using four team members to transfer a patient laterally D.frequent position changes while standing at the sterile field Correct Answer A.working in the same posture for prolonged periods While setting up for a surgical procedure, a surgical technologist discovers a puncture in the right surgical glove. If no one is available to assist, the BEST solution for the surgical technologist is to A.request the circulator to reglove the contaminated hand. B.ask the circulator for a new set of gloves to perform a closed-gloved technique. C.ask the circulator for a new gown and gloves to regown and reglove. D.request another set of gloves to place over the punctured glove. Correct Answer C.ask the circulator for a new gown and gloves to regown and reglove. During the application of arch bars, the surgeon will MOST likely use which of the following between the teeth and around the bar? A.0-1 Dexon B.5-0 to 6-0 Vicryl

C.24- or 26-gauge stainless steel wire D.3 5 - or 40-gauge stainless steel wire Correct Answer C.24- or 26-gauge stainless steel wire Which of the following is necessary for ethylene oxide sterilization to occur? A.indirect contact B.gravity displacement C.humidity D.steam Correct Answer C.humidity Which of the following is the correct skin preparation for a female patient undergoing a right mastectomy with possible axillary dissection? A.shoulder, upper arm and extending down to the elbow, axilla, chest to the table line, and to the left shoulder B.base of the neck, shoulder, scapula, chest to midline, and circumference of upper arm down to the elbow C.entire arm, shoulder, axilla, including the hand D.chin to umbilicus and laterally to the table line Correct Answer A.shoulder, upper arm and extending down to the elbow, axilla, chest to the table line, and to the left shoulder Which of the following is done FIRST when performing a myringotomy? A.inserting a drainage tube B.incising the tympanic membrane

C.suctioning fluid from the middle ear D.removing cerumen from the ear canal Correct Answer D.removing cerumen from the ear canal During a laminectomy, disk material is removed with a A.Cobb elevator. B.Kerrison rongeur. C.pituitary rongeur. D.periosteal elevator. Correct Answer C.pituitary rongeur. When positioning a patient for lithotomy, care should be taken to avoid injury of the peroneal nerve, which can cause injury to the A.hip. B.ankle. C.foot. D.elbow. Correct Answer A.hip. Which of the following is the name of the MOST common BI used for ethylene oxide sterilization? A.Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius B.Bacillus atrophaeus C.Bacillus anthracis D.Geobacillus stearothermophilus Correct Answer B.Bacillus atrophaeus Apart from trauma cases, which of the following incisions would be BEST for sigmoid surgery?

A.vertical midline B.vertical paramedian C.oblique subcostal D.lower transverse Correct Answer B.vertical paramedian Which of the following suturing techniques features short lateral stitches that are taken beneath the epithelial layer of skin? A.purse-string B.traction C.mattress D.subcuticular Correct Answer D.subcuticular Which of the following reflexes involves plantar flexion of the foot? A.Achilles B.patellar C.Babinski D.abdominal Correct Answer A.Achilles In which of the following procedures should the surgical technologist expect to use cottonoids? A.abdominal hysterectomy B.abdominal perineal resection C.lumbar laminectomy D.open cholecystectomy Correct Answer C.lumbar laminectomy

Which of the following advantages do hand-held retractors have over self-retaining retractors? A.less exposure B.operator dependency C.fatigue reduction D.√repositioning ability Correct Answer D.repositioning ability A surgical technologist is preparing a fresh specimen for frozen section to be passed off of the field. How should the specimen be prepared to be passed to the circulator? A.Wrap it in a moist sponge. B.Remove any suture material that may be attached. C.Wrap it in a Telfa pad. D.Remove it from the back table using a hemostat. Correct Answer C.Wrap it in a Telfa pad. Which of the following surgical procedures may be used to remove a carcinoma from the head of the pancreas? A.Heller B.Whipple C.Bankart D.Billroth I Correct Answer B.Whipple The only true indicator of item sterility is A.mechanical.

B.chemical. C.administrative. D.biological Correct Answer D.biological A #12 knife blade on a #7 handle is MOST commonly used for which of the following types of surgery? A.gastrectomy B.hysterectomy C.adenoidectomy D.tonsillectomy Correct Answer D.tonsillectomy Which of the following terms refers to the transfer of heat from one substance to another by the natural movement of molecules, setting other molecules in motion? A.amplitude B.conduction C.convection D.insulator Correct Answer B.conduction Which of the following important considerations should be taken by the surgical technologist when it comes to the suture material for third intention closure? A.A low-capillary action suture will not retain moisture. B.Choosing the proper tensile strength of the suture can aid in healing. C.The handling of suture is more important than the suture material.

D.The size of the suture is more important than the suture material. Correct Answer A.A low-capillary action suture will not retain moisture. The parathyroid gland regulates A.insulin. B.calcium. C.sodium. D.aldosterone. Correct Answer B.calcium. A pad-like sac or cavity that prevents friction within a joint is known as a A.bursa. B.fossa. C.ganglion. D.ligament. Correct Answer A.bursa. Which of the following staplers should be used for low anterior intestinal resection? A.EEA B.skin C.LDS D.purse string Correct Answer A.EEA Which of the following is the name of the avascular strip of tissue at the midline which runs from the xiphoid process to the pubis?

A.linea semilunaris B.linea alba C.arcuate line D.midaxillary line Correct Answer B.linea alba A wound that has regrowth of damaged blood vessels and synthesizes scar tissue is in which of the following wound healing phases? A.inflammatory B.migratory C.proliferative D.maturation Correct Answer B.migratory When cleaning instruments, the PH of the water that should be used is A.5.0. B.6.0. C.7.0. D.8.0. Correct Answer C.7.0. Which of the following is a heavy, curved, tapered needle? A.Mayo B.Keith C.Ferguson D.Arterial Correct Answer A.Mayo Once a procedure has concluded, the proper order to remove personal protective equipment is

A.gown, gloves, and then mask. B.gloves, gown, and then hat. C.gloves, gown, and then mask. D.gown, gloves, and then hat. Correct Answer A.gown, gloves, and then mask. Which of the following is the name of the incision made in a simple open nephrectomy? A.Gibson B.low transverse C.subcostal flank D.McBurney's Correct Answer C.subcostal flank Which of the following is considered the MOST important skill for a surgical technologist? A.management of specimens B.management of sponges C.maintaining an orderly setup D.ensuring adequate lighting Correct Answer A.management of specimens The surgical incision that allows for the BEST visualization for a Billroth I procedure is A.McBurney's. B.Pfannenstiel. C.midline. D.subcostal. Correct Answer C.midline.

During the postoperative phase, the personnel primarily responsible for transporting soiled instrumentation to decontamination is the A.housekeeping staff. B.anesthesia technician. C.surgical technologist. D.central processing technician. Correct Answer C.surgical technologist. CSF is formed in the lateral ventricles of a patient and may not properly flow into the third ventricle through the foramen of A.Magendie into the fourth ventricle. B.Monro into the fourth ventricle. C.Sylvius into the fourth ventricle. D.Luschka into the fourth ventricle. Correct Answer C.Sylvius into the fourth ventricle. During an excisional biopsy of sentinel nodes, the surgical technologist should prepare specimens using which of the following methods? A.Place on a Raytec to be handed off to the circulator. B.Separate on Telfa and pass to the circulator. C.Place in separate containers and identify. D.Place in specimen container held by the circulator using a hemostat. Correct Answer C.Place in separate containers and identify.

A surgical technologist received the following medications onto the sterile field: 0.9% sodium chloride, bacitracin 1 gm, and 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate way to label these medications? A.saline + bacitracin and .25 Marcaine + epinephrine B.NACL + 1 gm baci and 0.25 marc w/epi C.saline + baci and 0.25% marc with epi D.0.9% saline + 1 gm bacitracin and 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine Correct Answer D.0.9% saline + 1 gm bacitracin and 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine A thyroidectomy that was done earlier in the day is being brought back for excessive bleeding from the incision. Which of the following items are needed for this case? A.Monocryl suture and harmonic scalpel B.laps, silk ties, and hemoclips C.Vicryl ties, pledgets, and Alexis D.nylon suture, Raytec, and Geralds Correct Answer B.laps, silk ties, and hemoclips If there is any question related to handling a specific type of specimen, which of the following departments should be consulted? A.histology B.laboratory C.pathology

D.radiology Correct Answer C.pathology The required number of air exchanges per hour in an OR is A.5 to 10. B.15 to 25. C.30 to 35. D.40 to 50. Correct Answer B.15 to 25. A special-made instrument without a backup falls to the floor during a procedure. Which of the following is the BEST reason to hesitate performing immediate-use sterilization? A.The sterilizer is used for implantable devices, but not instruments. B.The manufacturer's standards for sterilizing the instrument are unknown. C.The staff feels uncomfortable transporting the unwrapped instrument to the OR after sterilization. D.There are no wrappers or pouches available for sterilizing the instrument. Correct Answer B.The manufacturer's standards for sterilizing the instrument are unknown. When transferring a thoracotomy patient to recovery, the chest drainage system should be A.disconnected. B.placed at the patient's side.

C.positioned above the patient's head. D.maintained below the patient's chest level. Correct Answer D.maintained below the patient's chest level. Which of the following procedures requires an incision in the suprasternal notch? A.mediastinoscopy B.bronchoscopy C.parotidectomy D.pericardectomy Correct Answer A.mediastinoscopy When preparing surgical specimens, in addition to the surgical technologist, who else is responsible for accurately labeling the specimen? A.surgeon and anesthesiologist B.circulating nurse and first assistant C.anesthesiologist and first assistant D.surgeon and circulating nurse Correct Answer D.surgeon and circulating nurse A T-tube drain may be used following A.a splenectomy. B.a choledochotomy. C.an appendectomy. D.a herniorrhaphy. Correct Answer B.a choledochotomy.

When assisting with the closure of a skin incision and operating the skin stapler, the surgical technologist places the staples through which two layers? A.cuticular and subcuticular B.subicular and subcutaneous C.subcuticular and subcutaneous D.subcutaneous and fascia Correct Answer A.cuticular and subcuticular A type of regional anesthesia in which a tourniquet is applied and local anesthetic is administered intravenously is called a A.Bier block. B.peripheral nerve block. C.MAC. D.caudal anesthesia. Correct Answer A.Bier block. During a craniotomy, which of the following types of bone is entered? A.flat B.round C.long D.short Correct Answer A.flat A physician prescribed 50 milligrams of Demerol. The Demerol is supplied in 100 mg/mL. How many mL of Demerol should be given?

A.0.5 mL B.1.0 mL C.1.5 mL D.2.0 mL Correct Answer A.0.5 mL Which of the following is MOST likely to be used during a posterior cervical decompression? A.Kirschner wire B.Hoffman device C.Steinmann pins D.Mayfield clamp Correct Answer D.Mayfield clamp Which of the following is the MOST acceptable technique when placing a patient in the lithotomy position? A.arms placed on arm boards placed at 110 degrees B.legs placed in stirrups one at a time C.both legs placed in stirrups simultaneously D.hips placed above the lower break of the table Correct Answer C.both legs placed in stirrups simultaneously Which of the following supplies should the surgical technologist have available for placement of a long arm cast? A.Xeroform B.Webril C.Telfa D.Kerlix Correct Answer B.Webril

How much 0.25% bupivacaine should be mixed with 1 mL of 1.0% lidocaine to make the solution equal strengths of both medications? A.2.0 mL B.4.0 mL C.5.0 mL D.10.0 mL Correct Answer B.4.0 mL The appendiceal stump, when inverted, is held in place by which of the following types of sutures? A.mattress B.traction C.interrupted D.purse-string Correct Answer D.purse-string A surgeon asks for warm irrigation after a right hemicolectomy. Which of the following BEST describes the reason for irrigating at this point in the procedure? A.to clean out the area of any loose tissue B.to maintain the core body temperature C.to eliminate any infection-causing microbes D.to aid visual inspection for leakage Correct Answer D.to aid visual inspection for leakage Which of the following devices should the surgical technologist have delivered to the sterile field for a low anterior resection?

A.GIA linear stapler B.ligating dividing stapler C.intraluminal stapler D.TA-60 stapler Correct Answer C.intraluminal stapler Which of the following is reshaped during a total hip arthroplasty? A.fibula B.acetabulum C.iliac crest D.tibia Correct Answer B.acetabulum An organization that regulates the production of biological sterilization test packs in-house is A.CDC. B.ANSI. C.AAMI. D.SDS. Correct Answer C.AAMI. Rod-shaped bacteria are called A.bacilli. B.cocci. C.vibrio. D.spirals. Correct Answer A.bacilli. A type of passive transport when salt crystals dissolve in water is known as