CST Surgical Tech Exam Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

✓ Correct answer: A. Absorb the fluid and cover the area with a sterile, impervious drape

To maintain a sterile field, any area that becomes wet or contaminated must be dealt with promptly. Sponging or suctioning the fluid and covering the area with an impervious drape helps prevent strike-through contamination and maintains sterility. Ignoring the contamination or allowing the fluid to evaporate on its own does not address sterility concerns. Removing instruments is not the primary action for wet areas on a sterile field.

✓ Correct answer: C. Adson (toothed)

For closing a wound with sutures, the toothed Adson forceps are typically used to hold the skin or tissue edges in place, ensuring precise approximation during suturing. Toothed forceps provide a firm grip that is necessary for dealing with the relatively heavier tissue of an abdominal wound. DeBakey forceps are delicate and designed for vascular and other soft tissues, while Russian forceps are typically used for gripping and holding, not suturing. Potts forceps are primarily used for vascular and soft tissue manipulation.

✓ Correct answer: B. Recommendation

In the ISBAR communication framework, 'R' stands for 'Recommendation'. It is the step where the healthcare professional gives their suggestions or next steps for patient care.

✓ Correct answer: A. Break down organic matter such as proteins and fats.

Enzyme-based cleaners use specific enzymes to target and break down organic materials like blood and tissue on surgical instruments. This helps in effective decontamination prior to further sterilization processes.

✓ Correct answer: D. $$\frac{1}{4}\text{ inch}$$

After surgical procedures, maintaining the correct gap between the incision and drainage device is critical. If the gap is too small, it could lead to pressure on the incision, potentially impairing healing. Conversely, too large a gap may allow the device to dislodge, leading to leakage or increased risk of infection. Therefore, a gap of $$\frac{1}{4}\text{ inch}$$ is recommended to balance stability and skin protection.

✓ Correct answer: C. Repair of perineal tears following childbirth

Absorbable sutures are used when removal is not feasible due to the location or nature of the tissue being sutured. In the case of perineal tears after childbirth, it is often more practical to use absorbable sutures because accessing the area is difficult and the tissue will heal internally. Nonabsorbable sutures are more likely to be used in areas where they can be easily accessed for removal or where tension strength is critical, such as tendon repair.

✓ Correct answer: B. Clearly visible

Sterilization labels should be clearly visible so that surgical staff can easily confirm that instruments have been sterilized. It reduces the chance of using non-sterile instruments and helps ensure safety by making the labels easily readable.

✓ Correct answer: C. Ensure the sterile field is maintained and prepare for any surgical adjustments.

During an intraoperative hypotensive episode, the CST must focus on maintaining the sterile field and readiness of surgical instruments. While notifying the surgical team or circulator about equipment-related needs may be necessary, direct patient interventions are outside the CST's primary role.

✓ Correct answer: B. Positive forces include cooperation and communication; negative forces include resistance to feedback and poor communication.

In a surgical team, positive forces such as effective communication and collaboration contribute to the team's success in achieving its goals. Negative forces, like poor communication, can lead to misunderstandings and errors during surgery, impacting the overall outcome.

✓ Correct answer: B. Anger

In situations where patients express frustration and direct their anger towards healthcare staff, they are often in the 'anger' stage of Kubler-Ross’s stages. This stage is characterized by blaming and lashing out due to distressing feelings.