AST CST Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

Where does the hepatic artery and vein enter the liver?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Porta hepatis. The hepatic artery and vein enter the liver through the Porta Hepatis, before dividing further into the right and left lobes of the liver.

The hepatic duct, cystic duct, and liver meet at the triangle of Calot (choice A).

Hartmann's pouch (choice B) is where stones accumulate in the gallbladder.

The ampulla of Vater (choice C) is where the pancreatic duct and bile duct enter the duodenum.

Question 2

The vocal cords are situated in the:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Larynx. The larynx, also known as the voice box, is where the vocal cords are situated. The vocal cords are two folds of mucous membrane that vibrate to produce sound when you speak or sing. The larynx is located in the throat and connects the pharynx (option A) to the trachea (option C).

Option A (Pharynx) is incorrect. The pharynx is the part of the throat that connects the mouth and nasal cavity to the esophagus and larynx. While it plays a role in the production of sound, it does not house the vocal cords.

Option C (Trachea) is incorrect. The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube-like structure that connects the larynx to the bronchi (option D). The trachea allows air to pass in and out of the lungs, but it does not contain the vocal cords.

Option D (Bronchus) is incorrect. Bronchi are branching tubes that carry air from the trachea to the lungs. While they are involved in respiratory functions, they are not where the vocal cords are located.

In summary, the correct answer is B) Larynx, as it is the specific anatomical structure that houses the vocal cords.

Question 3

When transporting a patient by stretcher to the operating room, it should be pushed how?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

From the head of the stretcher. From the head of the stretcher

The stretcher is pushed from the head so that the patient’s feet go first.

The attendant at the head can better observe the patient for things such as vomiting or respiratory distress.

Question 4

How long should an instrument set remain at 270° in a gravity displacement steam sterilization system?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

15 minutes. An instrument should remain at 270 degrees in a gravity displacement steam sterilization system for 15 minutes.

Question 5

Regarding the surgical scrub, which statement would deviate from acceptable practice?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Nail polish may be worn if freshly applied. This statement violates acceptable practice regarding the surgical scrub because nail polish is not recommended to be worn during the procedure, even if it has been freshly applied. Nail polish can harbor bacteria and is difficult to clean thoroughly, which can compromise the sterility of the surgical environment. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to avoid wearing nail polish during the surgical scrub.

Option A (Fingernails should not reach beyond fingertip) is a correct statement regarding the surgical scrub. It is important for healthcare professionals to keep their fingernails short and not extend beyond the fingertips. Long fingernails can harbor bacteria and make proper hand hygiene difficult to achieve, increasing the risk of transmitting infections.

Option C (Anyone with a cut, abrasion, or hangnail should not scrub) is a correct statement regarding the surgical scrub. Open wounds such as cuts, abrasions, or hangnails can serve as entry points for bacteria and increase the risk of contamination. It is essential for anyone with such conditions to refrain from participating in the surgical scrub to maintain a sterile environment.

Option D (A non-oil-based hand lotion may be used on the skin) is a correct statement regarding the surgical scrub. Non-oil-based hand lotions are allowed to hydrate and protect the skin during and after the procedure. However, it is important to note that oil-based lotions should be avoided as they can compromise the effectiveness of the surgical scrub and interfere with glove integrity.

In summary, option B is the correct answer because wearing nail polish, even if freshly applied, violates acceptable practice regarding the surgical scrub.

Question 6

Care and maintenance of the microscope should involve each of the aspects mentioned below EXCEPT:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Damn dust lenses with detergent-disinfectant before use. Care and maintenance of the microscope is crucial to ensure accurate and clear observations. However, it is important to note the exception among the given options.

Option A (Damp dust external surfaces with detergent-disinfectant before use) is a valid step in the care and maintenance of the microscope. External surfaces can accumulate dust and debris, which can affect the quality of observations. By damp dusting these surfaces with detergent-disinfectant, any contaminants can be removed, ensuring a clean and clear microscope.

Option C (Enclose in an antistatic plastic cover when not in use) is also a recommended practice. When the microscope is not in use, it should be protected from dust and other environmental factors. Enclosing it in an antistatic plastic cover helps in preventing dust from settling on the microscope, ensuring its cleanliness.

Option D (Clean casters before each use) is another important step in maintaining the microscope. Casters are the small wheels attached to the microscope, which allow for easy mobility. Cleaning these casters before each use ensures smooth movement and prevents any potential debris or obstruction from affecting the microscope's performance.

The exception among these options is Option B (Damn dust lenses with detergent-disinfectant before use). Damaging the lenses by using detergent-disinfectant can cause scratches or alter the clarity of the lenses, resulting in compromised observations. Instead, special lens cleaning solutions or lens cleaning paper should be used to gently clean the microscope lenses without causing any damage.

Therefore, the correct statement is that B) Damn dust lenses with detergent-disinfectant before use is the exception among the provided maintenance practices for the microscope.

Question 7

Making false, injurious statements about another person in writing is known as which of the following?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Libel.. Libel occurs when false or injurious statements are made about another in writing. This is one form of character defamation, with slander being the other.

Question 8

Perioperative nurses should have effective communication skills, which depend on many factors.

The setting for communication and the attitude of the speaker and listener are just two factors that affect communication.

For instance, an ANXIOUS pre-operative patient may TEND to respond in all of the following ways EXCEPT for:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Use logic and problem solving to process information.. The emotional state of parties involved as well as the setting can have a profound effect on communication.

For instance, an anxious, pre-op patient may TEND to draw erroneous conclusions, not hear what is being said by the nurse, or misunderstand instructions.

Most likely the ANXIOUS will NOT use logic and problem solving to process information.

Question 9

Nursing ethics are a type of ethics based on the criteria by which people make moral judgments.

This is known as which of the following types of ethics?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

normative ethics. Nursing ethics are based on normative ethics. This is a branch of philosophical ethics that investigates the set of questions that arise when considering how one ought to act, morally speaking.

Question 10

All sterile packages should:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Have an intact, undamaged wrapper. All sterile packages should be intact and have an undamaged wrapper.

Not all packages will have an expiration date due to the change to event related sterility, so choice A is incorrect.

Items that come from the manufacturer sterile usually do not contain a sterile indicator, so choice B is incorrect as well.

Reprocessed items only have to be double wrapped, not triple wrapped (choice C).

AST CST Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

More AST CST practice questions

Free practice here. Timed mocks when you are ready.