Surgical Tech CST 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.
Q11A Class 5 chemical integrating indicator placed inside a pack is designed to:
✓ Correct answer: C. React to all critical parameters of the sterilization cycle
Class 5 integrating indicators respond to all critical variables (time, temperature, and presence of steam) across a range of cycles. They provide more assurance than simple exposure indicators but do not replace biological indicators.
Q12The Bowie-Dick test is performed to evaluate which function of a prevacuum (dynamic-air-removal) steam sterilizer?
✓ Correct answer: D. Adequacy of air removal and steam penetration
The Bowie-Dick test detects air leaks and confirms adequate air removal and steam penetration in a prevacuum sterilizer. It is run daily before the first processed load but is not a test of actual microbial lethality.
Q13When performing a surgical skin prep at the incision site, the antiseptic is applied:
✓ Correct answer: A. From the incision site outward toward the periphery
The skin prep is applied starting at the planned incision site and moving outward in expanding circles toward the periphery, so the cleanest area is at the incision. A sponge that reaches the periphery is discarded, never returned to the center.
Q14The primary purpose of the surgical hand scrub or surgical hand rub is to:
✓ Correct answer: B. Reduce resident and transient microorganisms to an irreducible minimum
The surgical hand scrub does not sterilize the skin; it removes debris and transient flora and reduces resident flora to a minimum, also leaving a residual antimicrobial effect. Gloves are still required because skin cannot be sterilized.
Q15Once a sterile drape has been positioned on the patient, it should be:
✓ Correct answer: C. Not moved; if misplaced it is discarded and replaced
A drape that has been placed should not be moved because shifting it can drag nonsterile areas across the sterile field. If misplaced, it is removed and a new drape is applied, never repositioned.
Q16Peel-pouch packaging used for steam sterilization should be loaded into the sterilizer:
✓ Correct answer: D. On edge, paper-to-plastic
Peel pouches are placed on edge with paper facing plastic to allow steam contact and proper drying. Laying them flat or stacking them traps air and moisture and can cause wet packs.
Q17Sterile team members who must change positions should pass one another:
✓ Correct answer: A. Back to back
Sterile personnel pass each other back to back to keep sterile surfaces from contacting nonsterile backs. A sterile person also keeps their hands above waist level and within the sterile field.
Q18Current best practice considers the sterility of a packaged item to be:
✓ Correct answer: B. Event-related, dependent on packaging integrity and handling
The event-related sterility concept holds that a package remains sterile until an event (tear, moisture, compromised seal) compromises it, rather than expiring on a fixed date. Packaging integrity must be inspected before use.
Q19Dry-heat sterilization is best suited for which of the following?
✓ Correct answer: C. Powders, oils, and petroleum-based items
Dry-heat sterilization is used for materials that steam cannot penetrate or would damage, such as powders, anhydrous oils, and petroleum-based ointments. It requires higher temperatures and longer times than steam.
Q20If a sterile team member's glove is punctured during a procedure, the appropriate action is to:
✓ Correct answer: D. Step back, remove the glove, and reglove using sterile technique
A punctured glove is contaminated and must be changed. The scrubbed person steps back from the field and regloves (often with assistance using open or assisted gloving) to restore the sterile barrier.
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