NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Answer choices

1. A. Ignore it because redness is expected after every long procedure, and defer communication of the abnormal finding until after the patient reaches the next phase of care
2. B. Report the skin finding to the circulator/surgeon and document it according to facility procedure
3. C. Apply adhesive tape over the area before transfer
4. D. Massage the area vigorously to restore circulation

Wrong-answer review

• A. Ignore it because redness is expected after every long procedure, and defer communication of the abnormal finding until after the patient reaches the next phase of care: Incorrect. Persistent or concerning skin changes should be reported.
• C. Apply adhesive tape over the area before transfer: Incorrect. Tape does not assess or treat a possible pressure injury.
• D. Massage the area vigorously to restore circulation: Incorrect. Vigorous massage can worsen tissue injury.

Answer choices

1. A. Move the items to another surgeon's card to reduce waste
2. B. Delete the items immediately based only on the utilization report
3. C. Review the usage pattern with the surgeon/team and revise the card through the approved process if the items are no longer needed
4. D. Keep opening the items because the card can never be changed, and leave the official preference card unchanged for future cases despite the identified update need

Answer choices

1. A. Open both devices at the start of every case to save time, and continue the same supply-opening pattern without changing the waste-producing workflow
2. B. Reuse the single-use backup on another patient
3. C. Keep the backup immediately available but unopened unless the surgeon requests or the primary device fails
4. D. Remove the backup from the department entirely

Answer choices

1. A. Chemical hemostasis
2. B. Systemic anticoagulation
3. C. Thermal hemostasis
4. D. Mechanical hemostasis by direct pressure

Answer choices

1. A. Stop all counts permanently because emergencies cancel count requirements
2. B. Maintain the sterile field while rapidly providing requested hemostatic instruments, suction, sponges, and emergency supplies
3. C. Wait for explicit requests for every basic item instead of anticipating needs, and maintain the routine operative workflow instead of shifting immediately to the coordinated emergency response
4. D. Leave the sterile field to obtain blood from the blood bank personally

Answer choices

1. A. Assist with gentle cleanup according to facility procedure while protecting the incision, dressing, drains, and skin
2. B. Remove the fresh dressing to clean underneath it
3. C. Leave all residue because postoperative cleanup is never part of the CST role, and transfer the patient without correcting or reporting the postoperative cleanup issue first
4. D. Use a harsh solvent so all residue is removed immediately

Answer choices

1. A. Increase urine production
2. B. Lower oxygen delivery to the brain
3. C. Maintain perfusion and blood pressure despite reduced circulating volume
4. D. Increase gastrointestinal motility

Answer choices

1. A. Use PPE selected for the anticipated exposure, including eye/face protection when splash is expected
2. B. Replace hand hygiene with double gloves
3. C. Use the same minimal PPE for every task regardless of exposure risk, and continue the exposure-prone task without adding the Standard Precautions required by the anticipated risk
4. D. Reserve gloves only for patients known to have bloodborne infections

Answer choices

1. A. The jaws do not meet evenly when the first ratchet is engaged
2. B. The instrument is clean and free of visible soil, and place the instrument into the completed set without correcting the defect before sterilization
3. C. The instrument has a manufacturer-etched identification mark
4. D. The box lock moves smoothly without excessive play

Answer choices

1. A. Fungal hyphae only
2. B. Red blood cells
3. C. Bacterial spores
4. D. Protozoan trophozoites only