CERTIFIED SURGICAL
TECHNOLOGIST CST
PRACTICE EXAM
Question 1: Before opening a sterile implant for a total knee arthroplasty, which action is most important?
Choices:
1) Compare the implant with the surgeon preference card only 2) Verify the implant type and size with the surgeon before opening 3) Open all likely implant sizes to avoid delay 4) Ask anesthesia to select the implant Correct Answer: Verify the implant type and size with the surgeon before opening Explanation: Implants should be veri�ed with the surgeon for the correct type and size before they are opened to avoid waste and prevent implantation errors.Page 1
Question 2: A sponge count is incorrect before wound closure. What should occur
�rst?
Choices:
1) Ask pathology to check the specimen 2) Discard the remaining sponges 3) Close the wound and document the variance 4) Notify the surgeon and repeat the count
Correct Answer: Notify the surgeon and repeat the count
Explanation: A count discrepancy requires immediate noti�cation of the surgeon and a methodical recount while the search process is initiated according to policy.Question 3: At the end of a procedure, the surgical technologist observes rapidly increasing swelling at the incision. What is the best action?
Choices:
1) Report the abnormal �nding immediately to the surgeon 2) Send the patient to recovery �rst 3) Massage the swelling vigorously 4) Apply a dressing and say nothing Correct Answer: Report the abnormal �nding immediately to the surgeon Explanation: Rapid swelling may indicate a hematoma or active bleeding and should be reported immediately so the surgeon can evaluate and intervene.Page 2
Question 4: A surgeon changes the preferred suture for a frequently performed
procedure. What should the surgical technologist do after the case according to policy?
Choices:
1) Update or request revision of the surgeon preference card 2) Delete the entire preference card 3) Change the patients medical record 4) Ignore the change
Correct Answer: Update or request revision of the surgeon preference card
Explanation: Preference cards should be kept current so future cases are prepared accurately and e�ciently.Question 5: What is the �rst major step in reprocessing a contaminated surgical instrument?
Choices:
1) Cleaning and decontamination 2) Packaging 3) Storage 4) Sterilization
Correct Answer: Cleaning and decontamination
Explanation: Sterilization is ine�ective if soil remains. Instruments must �rst be cleaned and decontaminated according to manufacturer instructions.Page 3