CST Surgical Tech Exam Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

Question 1

A patient presents with jaundice and the physician has scheduled a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. What is the most likely underlying cause of the jaundice?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Hepatic. Jaundice is usually associated with hepatic disease, particularly conditions like cirrhosis. Liver dysfunction can lead to a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which causes the yellowing of the skin and eyes that characterizes jaundice. A liver biopsy helps confirm the hepatic origin of the disease.

Question 2

During an operation, the CST is responsible for disposing of used instruments safely. Following standard precautions, how should the CST dispose of a used needle from the operating room?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Place intact in a sharps container.. According to safety protocols, used needles must be discarded intact in a designated sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries. This container is leakproof and puncture-resistant. Recapping, cutting, or bending needles pose risks of self-injury or contamination.

Question 3

Identify when postoperative fever is most likely related to atelectasis based on common postoperative timelines, and what immediate action should be taken. Time After Surgery Common Cause Immediate Action 0-2 hours Inflammation Monitor patient 24-48 hours Atelectasis Encourage deep breathing exercises 3-5 days UTI Check urine analysis 5-7 days Wound infection Inspect wound for signs of infection

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

24-48 hours; Encourage deep breathing exercises. Postoperative fever due to atelectasis typically occurs within the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Encouraging deep breathing exercises is an immediate action that can help resolve atelectasis and reduce fever.

Question 4

During the preparation of surgical trays for sterilization, if the label on an indicator tape is applied along the edge of the tray, the certified surgical technologist (CST) should:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Reapply the label to ensure proper positioning and visibility.. Labels on indicator tapes must be placed correctly to maintain clear visibility and adhere securely. Placing a label on the edge risks adhesion issues and visibility problems, impacting the sterilization verification process.

Question 5

Identify the normal range for blood glucose levels in a 40-year-old male patient during fasting: Measurement Time Normal Blood Glucose Range (mg/dL) Fasting 70-99 Postprandial Under 140

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

70-99 mg/dL. Normal fasting blood glucose levels for adults are between 70-99 mg/dL. Postprandial levels should be under 140 mg/dL. Abnormal blood glucose levels can have significant impacts during surgery, making it crucial for surgical technologists to recognize normal ranges.

Question 6

For a minor surgical procedure on the foot utilizing a Bier block with lidocaine, the limb must first be:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Exsanguinated. In preparation for a Bier block on the foot, the limb must be exsanguinated to remove blood from the veins. This typically involves elevating the limb for a few minutes and using a pneumatic tourniquet proximal to the surgical site. This ensures effective anesthesia as lidocaine is locally confined.

Question 7

Which one of the following is an example of a class II surgical wound?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Appendectomy under controlled conditions. Class II surgical wounds are classified as clean-contaminated. These involve operations where the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary tract is entered under controlled conditions, with no unusual contamination. An appendectomy under controlled conditions fits this description. Colostomy and bronchoscopy with biopsy can involve more contamination and are not generally considered class II under the typical surgical wound classification, whereas a total knee arthroplasty is categorized as class I as it involves no entry into the tracts mentioned.

Question 8

A new surgical light is installed in the operating room, but the intensity control feature is not functioning despite being properly set up. What is the most likely reason for this issue?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The need for a firmware update. Modern surgical lights often require a firmware update to integrate fully with existing control systems. If the fixture is not working after proper setup, checking for necessary firmware updates should be the first step. Many manufacturers design equipment with update capabilities to maximize compatibility and performance.

Question 9

During the surgical preparation of a limb for casting after a fracture, what should the CST apply to the skin first?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Stockinette. In surgical settings, the CST begins by applying a stockinette to protect the skin before wrapping with protective padding like Webril. The skin should be clean and dry before these materials are applied to ensure cast adherence and skin protection.

Question 10

One limitation of using hydrogen peroxide as a sterilization agent for surgical instruments is that it:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Can be corrosive to certain metals. Hydrogen peroxide is effective as a low-temperature sterilizing agent and does not leave a residue. However, it can be corrosive to certain metals. It is effective against a broad range of microorganisms but can be less effective if organic material is present on the instruments being sterilized.

CST Surgical Tech Exam Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (11–20)

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