CST Surgical Tech Exam Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1The initial part of a river system is known as the:
✓ Correct answer: D. Headwaters
A river can be divided into three main sections: Headwaters: This is the initial part that provides the source and origin of the river's flow, typically found in highland or mountainous regions. Middle Course: This part of the river is characterized by meanders and transportation of sediments as the gradient levels decrease and the river starts to widen. Mouth: The section where the river flows into another water body, often forming deltas when sediment is deposited at the river’s end.
Q2Examine the following cell types and their functions. Which one functions as an exocrine secretor? Cell Type Function Parietal cells Secrete HCl into stomach lumen Alpha cells Secrete glucagon into bloodstream Beta cells Secrete insulin into bloodstream Goblet cells Secrete mucus into respiratory tract
✓ Correct answer: A. Parietal cells
Parietal cells secrete HCl directly into the stomach lumen, which is an exocrine function since it involves secretion into a duct or external surface. Alpha and beta cells secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, classifying them as endocrine cells. Goblet cells are involved in exocrine secretion, but in this table setting, they were considered incorrect compared to parietal cells' classic known function of HCl secretion in the stomach.
Q3Which part of the tooth contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue?
✓ Correct answer: C. Pulp
Teeth are composed of several parts: - Enamel: The hard outer surface that protects the tooth. It does not contain nerves or blood vessels. - Dentin: The layer beneath enamel, providing structure. It does not directly contain nerves or blood vessels. - Pulp: The innermost part of the tooth. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, nourishing the tooth. - Cementum: A bone-like substance covering the tooth root, helping anchor it into the bone, but lacking nerves or blood vessels.
Q4Monocryl sutures are known for their smooth passage through tissue and are made from:
✓ Correct answer: D. Poliglecaprone 25
Monocryl sutures are made from Poliglecaprone 25, which is a monofilament, synthetic, absorbable suture often used for soft tissue closures. These sutures offer smooth passage through tissues and are absorbed via hydrolysis, usually within 91 to 119 days.
Q5In surgical instrument nomenclature, which one of the following is considered a root term? Instrument Term Prefix Root Suffix Laproscopy Lap scopy Arthrotomy Arthr otomy Proctoscope Proct scope Cystectomy Cyst ectomy
✓ Correct answer: A. Arthr
The root of a surgical instrument term carries the main idea or concept of the term. In this case, 'Arthr' in 'Arthrotomy' is the root meaning joint. 'Lap' and 'Proct' are prefixes, referring to laparoscopy and procedures involving the rectum, respectively. 'ectomy' is a suffix, indicating a surgical removal or excision.
Q6In fetal circulation, if the foramen ovale fails to close after birth, allowing backflow, blood will flow from the:
✓ Correct answer: D. Left atrium to the right atrium
In fetal circulation, the foramen ovale allows blood to bypass the non-functional fetal lungs by moving blood directly from the right atrium to the left atrium. After birth, this opening usually closes. If it fails to close, blood from the higher pressure left atrium can flow back into the lower pressure right atrium after birth.
Q7When applying a sterile dressing over a surgical wound, the first step involves:
✓ Correct answer: C. Laying out sterile materials.
When applying a sterile dressing, the first step is to lay out all the necessary sterile materials. This ensures everything is ready and accessible, maintaining sterility throughout the procedure. Following this, the wound area should be cleansed with antiseptic wipes, after which the sterile pad is placed directly onto the wound. Finally, the pad is secured with medical tape to keep it in place.
Q8During orthopedic surgical procedures, how should drill bits and implants be maintained to ensure optimal efficiency and safety?
✓ Correct answer: D. Kept in a designated order and location separate from other instruments
During orthopedic surgical procedures, maintaining drill bits and implants in a designated order and location ensures they remain sterile, are easily accessible, and are used in the correct sequence. This prevents potential contamination or damage and enhances surgical efficiency and patient safety.
Q9What is the most appropriate action for a CST when passing off contaminated surgical instruments to ensure both sterility and containment of biohazardous materials?
✓ Correct answer: C. Place them in a covered container for transport
After surgery, contaminated instruments should be placed in a covered container to prevent biohazard exposure and maintain sterility until they can be properly decontaminated.
Q10During a surgical procedure, a patient suddenly presents with hypotension and respiratory distress. What first-line medication should the CST anticipate will be needed to address a severe allergic reaction?
✓ Correct answer: A. Epinephrine
The symptoms described are indicative of an anaphylactic reaction. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis due to its rapid action on the symptoms, including vasoconstriction and bronchodilation, which help address hypotension and respiratory distress. While other medications like methylprednisolone, diphenhydramine, and theophylline may be used in managing allergic reactions or inflammation, they are not the immediate treatment for anaphylaxis.
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