Surgical Technology Certification Practice Exam

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• Which of the following solutions should be used to prep the donor site for split-thickness skin graft?
• Which of the following terms describes a hernia that occurs within Hesselbach's triangle?
• The creation of a nasoantral window in the maxillary bone is known as what?
• Which of the following methods removes small organic particles and soil from the box locks and ratchets of instruments?
• A Billroth II procedure refers to which type of surgery?
• A burn that involves the epidermis and part of the dermis is classified as?
• What type of anesthesia is a combination of inhalation and intravenous drugs?
• Cheyne-Stokes respiration is characterized by which of the following?
• A Sarot is classified as which type of surgical instrument?
• What is the primary purpose of using a biological indicator in sterilization processes?
• What type of sponge is tightly rolled cotton tape used by surgeons for blunt dissection?
• Which purpose is served by a set of Bakes?
• What is the second phase of wound healing?
• During an abdominoperineal resection, which of the following stapling devices should the surgical technologist have available to form an anal pouch from the ileum?
• A patient presented to the OR without family anesthesia history. Which complication is of most concern?
• Which pathological condition is caused by excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain?
• What type of suture material is most commonly used for skin closure due to its minimal tissue reaction?
• The type of saw used for limb amputation is?
• Baker's cysts are commonly found in which area of the body?
• Which of the following characterizes bacteria of the genus Clostridium?
• The surgeon asks that multiple suture and hernia mesh that were not on the preference card be opened during the repair of a large umbilical hernia. What should the surgical technologist recognize?
• Which of the following is a thoracic retractor?
• What is the purpose of traction sutures during common duct explorations?
• When performing a laparoscopic procedure, the Hulka instrument is used for what task?
• In robotics, what does roll refer to?
• Which of the following is a bone holding forcep?
• The Leyla-yasergil retractor is used in which specialty surgery?
• Which type of hematoma is a result of torn bridging meningeal veins?
• What is the minimum exposure time in a flash sterilizer for unwrapped instruments?
• Which of the following is a specimen container used in a flexible or rigid bronchoscopy?
• The nasal sinus located between the nose and the orbits is the:
• Which of the following is an example of a nonadherent dressing?
• What instrument is used in laparoscopy to manipulate the uterus for increased visibility?
• Which of the following is a mechanical method of hemostasis?
• Local anesthetics containing epinephrine should NEVER be used in which of the following areas?
• The space between the vocal cords is called the?
• Satinsky, Herrick, and Mayo clamps may be specifically used on which of the following structures?
• Which structure(s) are removed during a tonsillectomy?
• Which of the following wound classes is assigned to a bowel case in which the resident perforated during the procedure?
• When performing a Shirodkar procedure, which anatomical structure is the focus of attention?
• Which instrument would be used during a keratoplasty to remove the cornea?
• What is the common approach for a simple mastoidectomy?
• If an ovarian tumor is malignant, which organs are typically excised?
• What is the medical term for nosebleed?
• Which procedure involves examining the cervix with a binocular microscope?
• In what surgical situation would a Pfannenstiel incision typically be used?
• A craniotomy may utilize which device for exposure?
• Which of the following tumors is typically benign, encapsulated, and arises from tissue covering the central nervous system structures?
• A patient suffering from prognathism has a:
• Which of these conditions is characterized by a fleshy encroachment of conjunctiva onto the cornea?
• What is the drug most commonly used to treat ventricular tachycardia?
• Through which anatomical structure do the common bile duct and pancreatic duct empty?
• What is the definition of otosclerosis?
• What is the medical term for the type of stitches used for closure?
• A hip cast from waist to toes on the affected side and from the waist to knee on the unaffected side is called what?
• The fibrous white layer that gives the eye its shape is the?
• Which type of instrument can be effectively decontaminated in a washer-sterilizer?
• Which instrument is used to grasp the base of a hemorrhoid during a hemorrhoidectomy?
• In what type of surgical setup would a Pereyra or Stamey needle be found?
• Where is a Baker's cyst located?
• When steam sterilizing biological indicators, how long are they incubated before recording the reading?
• What is the name of the small fine needle holder used in plastic surgery?
• In which surgical specialty is a Humi Cannula typically used?
• What term describes the viewing of surgical procedures on a television screen in orthopedic surgery?
• Which procedure is performed to repair a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm?
• What is the primary use of the Verres needle in surgical procedures?
• What method is commonly utilized for achieving hemostasis during surgery?
• What is the primary function of a single robotic arm in surgical settings?
• Which surgical instrument is used to grasp tissue?
• During a sentinel node biopsy, which dye is commonly injected?
• What daily test must be performed on the pre-vacuum sterilizer before using it?
• Which of the following is the correct temperature for pre-vacuum sterilization?
• How is the small intestine attached to the posterior abdominal wall?
• A pressure dressing is most commonly applied over which of the following?
• Which procedure would be listed in the OR schedule for a patient undergoing surgical treatment of uterine fibroids?
• When using the warm cycle of the EtO sterilizer, what is the minimum sterilization temperature in Fahrenheit?
• Which gland functions as both an exocrine and endocrine gland?
• What type of equipment would bougies be associated with?
• Which sutures should be anticipated for a carotid endarterectomy?
• Which procedure is often used for pancreatic resection?
• Which condition involves the abnormal narrowing of the esophagus?
• What is the first phase of general anesthesia?
• Which of the following is used for high level disinfection with a minimum exposure time of 20-45 minutes?
• Which of the following conditions is NOT typically associated with a bursa?
• The congenital defect where the vertebrae do not close, leaving the spinal cord unprotected, is known as what?
• Which of the following dilators are used in the common duct?
• What are the required sterilization parameters for unwrapped, non-porous items?
• Which precaution should be taken when working with polymethyl methacrylate as a bone cement?
• Which of the following verifies that autoclave sterilization has occurred?
• Which of the following should be included in sterilization cycle records?
• A congenital defect where the fetal blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and aorta does not close is known as?
• What technique is typically utilized for permanent renal artery blockage during surgery?
• What is the term for a technique to illuminate and visualize internal organs during endoscopic procedures?
• A bougie is classified as what type of instrument?
• What preoperative laboratory study is routinely ordered for premenopausal women without a history of hysterectomy?
• The surgical team must verify each package is properly labeled with which of the following?
• Which of the following parts of the body are prepped for an ORIF of the olecranon process?
• Which aneurysm usually develops between the renal and iliac arteries?
• Which instrument is best suited for achieving cervical dilation?
• Which type of fracture is treated with arch bars?
• What is the burn degree classification that involves the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue?
• Which type of suture is commonly used for skin closure due to its non-reactive nature?
• What chemical solution is most commonly used in the Sterrad sterilization system?
• Which instrument is used to facilitate kidney stone removal during lithotripsy?
• What role does exposure time play in the disinfection process?
• What are three essential items required for a laser procedure?
• What is the first step a surgical technologist should take with instruments after a cystoscopy?
• Which ossicle of the middle ear covers the oval window?
• Which of the following incisions is oblique?
• Which cranial nerve is referred to as the eighth cranial nerve?
• A cerclage procedure is performed for which of the following conditions?
• Which of the following is a common complication of abdominal surgeries?
• Use of an intraluminal (circular) stapler (EEA) would be indicated for which of the following surgical procedures?
• During a tympanoplasty, which of the following is the best choice for graft material?
• What is the correct temperature for the operation of a flash sterilizer?
• Which term describes an abnormal thoracic curve of the spine known as "hunchback"?
• For an ORIF of an ankle case, which item should the surgical technologist prepare?
• What is the medical term for rupture?
• A possible complication of radical prostatectomy is?
• What three factors are critical for achieving steam sterilization?
• In which position is a patient placed for a right nephrectomy?
• What guidelines should be followed for the decontamination of endoscopes?
• Which of the following retractors is used for spinal nerve roots?
• Which of the following is classified as a clean-contaminated wound (Class II)?
• A dilator is primarily used for which of the following purposes?
• What is the primary purpose of retractors during a surgical procedure?
• A solid state has which of the following characteristics?
• Which of the following is true about prepping?
• What is the primary purpose of the bean bag in surgical positioning?
• Which type of suture is commonly used in soft tissue repair?
• What is the purpose of using a surgical drape?
• When a hernia is strangulated, which instrument set is added to the general abdominal set-up?
• What medication is typically used to treat malignant hyperthermia?
• Which instrument is commonly used for clamping small blood vessels during surgery?
• How often must a biological control test be run?
• What is the medical term for a bunion?
• Which method of sterilization is considered the fastest?
• Club foot is medically referred to as which of the following?
• Which of the following is a telescoping of the instruments in neonates requiring immediate surgical intervention?
• What is the appropriate position for a patient undergoing excision of Zenker's diverticulum?
• During an operation, what tool is typically used to cut through heavy tissue?
• What instrument is primarily used for grasping or holding tissue?
• A device used to measure fluid pressure is known as?
• A partially dislocated joint is called?
• Nearsightedness is also known as?
• Which valve is associated with the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle?
• Which instrument would be best suited for esophageal dilation?
• What is the most common cause of retinal detachment?
• For a splenectomy procedure, which clamp might be used?
• Which of the following is a method of high-level disinfection?
• What is the pathway around the nucleus that the electrons follow called?
• The Galea is located in which part of the body?
• Which rongeurs is used to expand the antrostomy in a Caldwell-Lub procedure?
• Which procedure necessitates a sterile setup?
• What test is specifically meant to test and monitor the efficiency of the high-vacuum steam sterilizer?
• Which of the following is a monofilament suture?
• Which structure is NOT ligated and divided during a cholecystectomy?
• After cardiac bypass surgery, the surgeon prepares to close the sternotomy. What type of drainage system should the surgical technologist expect will be used?
• Which of the following conditions can polymethyl methacrylate cause if contact lenses are not removed?
• What type of acquired immunity is a vaccination?
• Where should lot control numbers be placed after sterilization?
• Which of the following items would be considered case dependent in a surgical setting?
• Which surgical position is commonly used for thyroid and gallbladder surgery?
• A patient has a wound healing by secondary intention. Which dressing type is most suitable for this scenario?
• Which of the following items may be used in positioning a patient for a total hip arthroplasty?
• What must the steam indicator show before using non-implantable instrumentation from the autoclave?
• Which topical steroid is commonly used to reduce inflammation after eye surgery?
• Which method is used for disintegrating kidney stones through a liquid medium?
• The highly vascular layer of the eye that absorbs light rays and nourishes the retina is the:
• Which legal principle applies when the patient is given the wrong dose of the local anesthetic?
• When closing fascia after a laparotomy, which suture is preferred?
• Atelectasis refers to which of the following conditions?
• During liquid chemical sterilization, what is the primary compound used for sterilizing endoscopic instruments?
• In a tympanoplasty, which structure is most commonly repaired?
• All of the following are factors influencing chemical disinfection EXCEPT:
• The cartilaginous nasal septum is anterior to which bone?
• The organ that is connected by a duct to the duodenum is the:
• What type of drape would be used for a flank procedure?
• Which of the following is used to cross-clamp the intestine during a bowel resection?
• A pad-like sac or cavity that prevents friction within a joint is known as a?
• What is the primary purpose of performing a Bowie-Dick test?
• What three items are typically used to clean instruments at the end of a procedure?
• An OB-GYN surgeon has informed the surgical team that the fallopian tubes will require ligation during a laparoscopic partial hysterectomy. Which instruments should the surgical technologist prepare?
• What is the most common site for hernia formation?
• Which area of the body is frequently accessed in a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
• What temperature and time must a steam sterilizer chamber reach to ensure spore elimination?
• Wescott scissors are primarily utilized in which type of surgery?
• When retrieving non-implantable instrumentation from the autoclave, which indicator must the surgical technologist check?
• What type of clamp is a kidney pedicle clamp?
• Which of the following procedures involves skeletal traction?
• What is the correct sequence of induction for general anesthesia?
• Protamine sulfate is used to reverse the effects of which substance?
• What is the surgical removal of a fluid-filled sac in the tunica vaginalis called?
• Which of the following may be needed during an emergency splenectomy that may not be required during a routine splenectomy?
• How are permanent specimens typically sent to pathology?
• Which sterilization method is appropriate for disinfecting a flexible endoscope used on a patient with tuberculosis?
• Volvulus is a condition describing?
• What documentation is required for immediate use sterilization?
• Which of the following is a non-absorbable synthetic monofilament suture?
• What is the purpose of a cerclage procedure?
• The congenital defect spina bifida primarily affects which part of the body?
• What is the name of the procedure for the excision of the tunica vaginalis?
• What is the correct means of sterilizing a non-flexible fiber optic endoscope?
• During surgery, which type of drape is primarily used for the fluid containment?
• How many times a day should a DART test be performed?
• An example of a hinge joint in the human body is the:
• Which of the following terms means a prolapsed bladder causing a bulge in the anterior vaginal wall?
• Which surgical procedure is performed to correct an abnormality in which the urethral meatus is situated on the superior aspect of the penis?
• What is a common postoperative complaint after laparoscopic procedures?
• Anectine is classified as which type of muscle relaxant?
• A patient is complaining of nausea, fever, and severe back pain. The patient was previously diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. This patient MOST likely suffers from?
• What type of skin graft includes the epidermis and all of the dermis?
• During a vascular procedure, which needle type is best for repairing a ligated vessel?
• What does the Bowie-Dick test evaluate in an autoclave?
• What is the term for traction applied directly on bone using medical pins or wires?
• What is the main function of a pulse oximeter in a surgical setting?
• After a surgical procedure, where should all unused surgical instruments be returned?
• Which portion of the ear is affected by Meniere's syndrome?
• During a mastoidectomy, what structure is primarily removed?
• Which of the following is done FIRST when performing a myringotomy?
• What is one of the key elements a surgical technologist checks during a Bowie-Dick test?
• Which of these instruments would be used during a keratoplasty?
• Which of the following staplers should be used for end-to-end intestinal resection?
• What is an important consideration when sterilizing instruments after a cystoscopy?
• The primary use of a Mayo-Hegar needle holder is for what purpose?
• Which neurosurgical pathology would a myelogram diagnose?
• Long thoracic forceps are categorized as which of the following?
• What technique involves inserting a needle or wire to identify suspicious breast tissue?
• Which type of retractor is commonly used in lung surgeries?
• When would the anesthesia provider request cricoid pressure?
• A keller procedure is used to correct which condition?
• The valve separating the right atrium and right ventricle is known as which of the following?
• Which of the following terms refers to the absence of the external ear?
• What is the typical method used to achieve hemostasis during laparoscopic surgery?
• What condition refers to the presence of a bunion deformity?
• When preparing for an endoscopic procedure, what is an essential consideration for the surgical technologist?
• A Hurd dissector and pillar retractor are most commonly used for which procedure?
• What test should be performed during the decontamination of a flexible endoscope to ensure proper function?
• Which instrument is typically used to manage bowel during abdominal surgery?
• A Whipple procedure is performed to treat which condition?
• The Bowie-Dick test for pre-vacuum sterilizers checks for which condition?
• What is the name of the condition in which a loop of bowel herniates into the Douglas's cul-de-sac?
• Which hormone is present as early as 10 days after conception?
• Which type of uterine dilators are designated as Hanks?
• A simple mastectomy involves the removal of which of the following?
• Which of the following best describes the function of hernia mesh in surgical procedures?
• During an abdominoperineal repair, which stapler is most appropriate for performing an anastomosis between the colon ends?
• In which surgical procedure would you typically use the Fowler's position?
• Which device is typically used to inflate a dilation balloon for medical procedures?
• To visualize internal organs during surgery, which technique is employed?
• Tissue expanders are commonly used for which purpose?
• How long is a 3M Attest 1292 steam biological indicator incubated before recording the reading?
• In which procedural setup would a T-tube typically be found?
• Cadaver bone is classified as which type of graft?
• What instrument is NOT required for rib removal during kidney exposure?
• If a uterus cannot be extracted vaginally during a LAVH, which instrument should be available?
• What is the apron-like structure attached to the greater curvature of the stomach called?
• Which of the following is a sign of cardiac arrest?
• Which of the following procedures may require a postauricular incision?
• What surgical approach is best for accessing the pancreas?
• Which of the following is an unexpected occurrence that involves physiologic or psychologic injury or death?
• An agent used to combat metabolic acidosis is?
• What is the main purpose of using a tourniquet during surgery?
• What must be ensured regarding sterilization cycle records?
• During surgical procedures, where should the surgical technologist look to find the most reliable information about necessary instruments?
• If a Poole suction tip is dropped during an open laparotomy and must be re-sterilized, which sterilization method is the most suitable?
• What information is essential on every package meant for sterilization?
• What is the purpose of using a sauerbruch forceps during surgery?
• Which parameter is not necessary for documenting an immediate use sterilization?
• What degrees Celsius is the steam sterilization biological indicator incubated?
• What is the correct sequence for screw placement in surgical procedures?
• In which region is the spleen primarily located?
• How many hours must an item be submerged in glutaraldehyde to sterilize?
• PDS is an example of which type of suture?
• What is the primary concern with removing instruments from the sterilization process too soon?
• Which connective tissue connects bone to bone?
• In positioning a patient for a total hip arthroplasty, what should the surgical technologist ensure?
• Which anesthetic is typically injected during a bier block?
• What position is most commonly used for neurosurgical procedures?
• Which forceps are designed for gripping and holding larger tissues or organs?
• Which type of cast is specifically designed to immobilize the hip joint?