AST CST Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

✓ Correct answer: D. "slave"

A secondary video monitor is commonly known as a "slave". This term refers to a monitor that is connected to and controlled by a primary or main monitor. The main monitor typically handles the majority of the processing and control functions, while the secondary monitor displays the output. This setup is commonly used in multi-monitor configurations, where additional monitors are added to expand screen real estate and improve productivity.<br/><br/>Option A) MAC is incorrect. MAC stands for Media Access Control and is a term used in computer networking to refer to the unique identifier assigned to a network interface. It is not related to secondary video monitors.<br/><br/>Option B) SMA is incorrect. SMA stands for SubMiniature version A and is a type of coaxial connector used in radio frequency applications. It is not related to secondary video monitors.<br/><br/>Option C) CAM-2 is incorrect. CAM-2 is an abbreviation for Computer Aided Manufacturing version 2, which refers to a software system used in manufacturing processes. It is not related to secondary video monitors.<br/><br/>In conclusion, a secondary video monitor is commonly known as a "slave", and options A) MAC, B) SMA, and C) CAM-2 are not correct terms for describing a secondary video monitor.

✓ Correct answer: C. May require long instrumentation

A simple nephrectomy may require long instrumentation. <br/><br/>Choices A and C are incorrect because a simple nephrectomy requires a later position with a subcostal flank incision. The ureter of the affected side will be ligated, making choice D incorrect.

✓ Correct answer: C. hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that plays a crucial role in carrying oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and transporting carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. It acts as a buffer solution for carbon dioxide by binding to it and helping to maintain the blood's pH within a normal range. This buffer system is important in maintaining homeostasis and preventing drastic changes in blood acidity.<br/><br/>Option A) phosphates<br/>Phosphates are not directly involved in buffering carbon dioxide. They do play a role in buffering acid-base imbalances in the body, but they are not specifically responsible for buffering carbon dioxide.<br/><br/>Option B) plasma proteins<br/>Plasma proteins, such as albumin, are involved in maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting substances, and contributing to the blood's viscosity. While they may play a role in buffering certain ions and maintaining overall pH balance, they are not specifically responsible for buffering carbon dioxide.<br/><br/>Option C) bicarbonate<br/>Bicarbonate is a key component of the carbon dioxide transport system in the blood. Carbon dioxide diffuses into red blood cells and is converted to bicarbonate ions, which are then transported back into the plasma. While bicarbonate helps regulate blood pH and maintain buffering capacity, it is not the primary buffer solution for carbon dioxide. Hemoglobin, as mentioned earlier, serves as the primary buffer solution for carbon dioxide in the blood.

✓ Correct answer: C. Upper respiratory tract

Staphylococcus is typically spread by the upper respiratory tract. This means that the bacteria can be passed from person to person through activities such as coughing, sneezing, or talking. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the bacteria can be released into the air and then inhaled by others. It is also possible for the bacteria to spread by touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with the bacteria and then touching the face or mouth. Therefore, it is important to practice good respiratory hygiene, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, to prevent the spread of Staphylococcus infections.<br/><br/>Option A) Sexual contact: Staphylococcus is not typically spread through sexual contact. While some sexually transmitted infections are caused by bacteria, Staphylococcus is not commonly transmitted in this way.<br/><br/>Option C) Urine: Staphylococcus is not typically spread through urine. It is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces.<br/><br/>Option D) Feces: Staphylococcus is not typically spread through feces. It is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces.<br/><br/>It is important to understand the modes of transmission for infectious diseases like Staphylococcus in order to prevent their spread and protect public health.

✓ Correct answer: C. Infectious disease process

The infectious disease process would be the interaction between the pathogenic microorganism, the environment, and the host. The infectious disease process consists of six stages.

✓ Correct answer: D. Fomite

A fomite refers to an inanimate object that can act as a carrier and spreader of a disease. It can include everyday objects such as doorknobs, tables, or electronic devices that can harbor infectious agents and transmit them to individuals who come in contact with them.<br/><br/>Option B) Vector<br/><br/>Vector is the wrong answer. A vector refers to an organism, typically an insect or animal, that can transmit a disease-causing pathogen from one host to another. Unlike fomites, vectors are living organisms that can actively carry and transmit diseases.<br/><br/>Option C) Carrier<br/><br/>Carrier is another wrong answer. While carriers can spread diseases, they are usually individuals who are infected with a pathogen but do not exhibit symptoms. They can unknowingly transmit the disease to others through various means, such as direct contact or through respiratory droplets. Carriers are not inanimate objects.<br/><br/>Option D) Arthropod<br/><br/>Arthropod is also an incorrect answer. Arthropods are a diverse group of animals, including insects, arachnids, and crustaceans. While some arthropods can serve as vectors for disease transmission, they are not the same as inanimate objects acting as fomites.<br/><br/>In conclusion, the correct answer to the question is A) Fomite, as it specifically refers to an inanimate object that can carry and spread a disease.

✓ Correct answer: D. Hypotension.

Hypotension is a sign of cardiovascular toxicity to a local anesthetic. Local anesthetics can also cause cardiac depression and tachycardia.

✓ Correct answer: C. Cocaine

Cocaine is commonly applied as a topical anesthetic prior to nasal surgery. It is a powerful local anesthetic that acts by blocking the transmission of pain signals. It is particularly effective for procedures involving the nasal passages due to its ability to not only numb the area but also constrict blood vessels, reducing bleeding during surgery.<br/><br/>Option A (Numorphan) is incorrect. Numorphan is not commonly used as a topical anesthetic prior to nasal surgery. It is an opioid analgesic primarily used for the relief of moderate to severe pain.<br/><br/>Option B (Codeine) is also incorrect. Codeine is not typically used as a topical anesthetic prior to nasal surgery. It is an opioid medication primarily used for the treatment of pain, cough, and diarrhea.<br/><br/>Option D (Marcaine) is incorrect as well. Marcaine, also known as bupivacaine, is a local anesthetic that is commonly used for various surgical procedures. However, it is not commonly applied topically prior to nasal surgery.<br/><br/>In summary, while options A, B, and D are all medications that may have uses in certain medical contexts, none of them are commonly applied as a topical anesthetic prior to nasal surgery. The correct answer is C) Cocaine.

✓ Correct answer: C. High-level disinfectant

Glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant used to sterilize surgical instruments.

✓ Correct answer: D. gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. Bacteria are the primary organisms responsible for causing sepsis, with gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria being the most common culprits.<br/><br/>Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, have an outer membrane that can release toxins into the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation and potential sepsis. Gram-positive bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, can also cause sepsis by releasing toxins or through invasion of the bloodstream.<br/><br/>Parasites, fungi, and viruses, on the other hand, are not the primary organisms responsible for sepsis. While they can cause infections and sometimes lead to systemic inflammatory responses, they are less commonly associated with septic shock compared to bacteria.