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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Lange CST Practice Test: Surgical Technology Quiz

Quick, free surgical tech practice exam to check your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Dhivehi Lava N LyricsUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for CST readiness quiz on surgical tech concepts on a teal background.

This quiz helps you practice for the CST with Lange-style surgical technology questions and spot gaps in sterilization, instrumentation, and patient care. For more focused review, try the sterile processing quiz, build OR breadth with an anesthesia tech practice test, or check core topics with a general surgery quiz.

Which instrument is most appropriate for grasping delicate tissue during a surgical procedure?
Kelly hemostatic forceps
Metzenbaum scissors
Mosquito hemostat
Adson tissue forceps with teeth
Adson tissue forceps with teeth are designed for delicate tissue handling because their fine, interlocking teeth provide a reliable grip without crushing tissue. Kelly and mosquito hemostats are for vessel control and smaller bleeding vessels but not for delicate tissue. Metzenbaum scissors are cutting instruments rather than grasping.
What is the minimum contact time recommended for alcohol-based hand antiseptic to achieve surgical-level scrub effectiveness?
2 minutes
3 minutes
10 minutes
5 minutes
Current guidelines recommend a 5-minute contact time for alcohol-based hand antiseptics to achieve surgical-level scrub effectiveness. Shorter times may not fully eliminate transient flora. Longer times offer no additional benefit and can increase skin irritation.
Which wound classification describes a surgery performed under emergency conditions with major contamination?
Clean-contaminated
Dirty-infected
Contaminated
Clean
A 'Contaminated' wound classification applies to open accidental wounds, fresh traumatic wounds, or surgeries with major breaks in sterile technique. Clean-contaminated surgeries involve controlled entry into an otherwise noninfected site. Dirty-infected refers to existing infection or perforated viscus.
What is the primary purpose of the surgical scrub sink's ultraviolet light?
Drying hands quickly
Dispensing antiseptic solution
Measuring water temperature
Ultraviolet sterilization
Ultraviolet light in scrub sinks provides an adjunctive method to reduce microbial load on hands and forearms by UV radiation. It is not for drying, measuring temperature, or dispensing solutions. Always follow manufacturer instructions for safe use.
Which sterile indicator changes color when proper steam sterilization parameters are met?
Denatured alcohol
Autoclave tape
Gas detector tube
BO-LPT Strips
Autoclave tape is a chemical indicator that changes color when the correct temperature (usually 121 - 134 °C) and pressure are reached in steam sterilization. Biological indicators like BO-LPT strips test for microbial kill but do not change color immediately to indicate parameter compliance.
What size gauge needle is commonly used for local infiltration in surgical procedures?
14-gauge
18-gauge
25-gauge
30-gauge
A 25-gauge needle is commonly used for local infiltration because its smaller diameter reduces patient discomfort while allowing adequate anesthetic flow. Larger gauges like 14 or 18 are too large for local infiltration and are reserved for rapid fluid or medication administration.
Which surgical position provides the best exposure for a thyroidectomy?
Prone
Reverse Trendelenburg with neck extension
Lithotomy
Fowler's without neck extension
Reverse Trendelenburg with neck extension provides optimal access and visualization of the thyroid by allowing gravitational retraction of tissues and airway structures. Fowler's position without extension does not adequately expose the neck. Lithotomy and prone are unrelated to thyroid surgery.
Which glove material offers the best barrier against most chemicals and viral penetration?
Vinyl
Polyethylene
Nitrile
Latex
Nitrile gloves provide superior chemical and viral penetration resistance compared to latex, vinyl, or polyethylene gloves. They also reduce the risk of latex allergy and maintain tensile strength.
What type of drape would you select for laparoscopic cholecystectomy to maintain a seal around trocars?
Stockinette drape
Laparotomy drape
U-drape
Adhesive incise drape with fenestration
An adhesive incise drape with a fenestration provides a sealed, sterile field and ensures proper placement and seal around trocars during laparoscopic procedures. Laparotomy drapes provide a broad field but lack adhesive fencing.
Which type of sterilization is indicated for moisture-sensitive instruments?
Gravity-displacement steam sterilization
Dry heat sterilization
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
Liquid chemical sterilization with glutaraldehyde
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is recommended for moisture- and heat-sensitive instruments because it operates at low temperature and penetrates packaging without moisture. Gravity-displacement steam and dry heat require high temperature or moisture.
Which antiseptic is commonly used for preoperative skin preparation and leaves a residual effect?
Isopropyl alcohol
Povidone-iodine
Hydrogen peroxide
Chlorhexidine gluconate with alcohol
Chlorhexidine gluconate combined with alcohol provides rapid kill and residual antimicrobial activity, making it ideal for preoperative skin prep. Povidone-iodine has broad-spectrum activity but less residual effect.
What is the primary purpose of a pulse oximeter in the operating room?
Evaluate fluid balance
Measure blood pressure
Monitor oxygen saturation
Detect deep vein thrombosis
A pulse oximeter measures arterial oxygen saturation noninvasively and continuously, alerting clinicians to hypoxia. It does not measure blood pressure, detect thrombosis, or assess fluid balance.
Which component of an instrument set must be lubricated after cleaning to prevent corrosion?
Serrated jaws
Box locks and ratchets
Insulated handles
Scissor blades
Box locks and ratchets should be lubricated with a water-soluble instrument milk to protect against corrosion and ensure smooth action. Blades and serrations also need inspection but the locking mechanisms are most susceptible.
Which suture material is absorbable and often used for internal soft-tissue approximation?
Polypropylene
Silk
Nylon (Ethilon)
Poliglecaprone (Monocryl)
Poliglecaprone (Monocryl) is a synthetic, monofilament, absorbable suture commonly used for internal soft-tissue approximation with predictable absorption. Silk is nonabsorbable, polypropylene and nylon are synthetic nonabsorbable monofilaments.
During laparoscopic insufflation, which gas is most commonly used to create pneumoperitoneum?
Helium
Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide is the preferred insufflation gas because it is colorless, nonflammable, highly soluble in blood, and easily eliminated via respiration. Nitrogen and helium have higher embolism risk; oxygen is flammable.
Which method is recommended for counting sponges to prevent retention in the surgical site?
Use visual inspection only
Count once at the end of the procedure
Count before incision and before closure
Rely on radiopaque markers only
A reliable counting protocol requires sponge counts before incision, when closing body cavities, and at skin closure to ensure none are retained. Radiopaque markers and X-rays are adjunctive but do not replace counts.
Which antiseptic agent is inactivated by organic material and requires thorough cleaning prior to use?
Chlorhexidine gluconate
Hydrogen peroxide
Iodophors (povidone-iodine)
Alcohol
Iodophors, such as povidone-iodine, are inactivated by organic material (blood, serum), so thorough cleaning is required prior to application. Chlorhexidine and alcohol are less affected by organic matter.
What is the appropriate way to handle a sterile instrument that has dropped onto the nonsterile floor during a procedure?
Wipe with sterile gauze
Have it resterilized and opened fresh
Recap it and continue using it
Use only if it contacts sterile field
Any sterile instrument dropped on a nonsterile surface must be replaced with a sterile one or resterilized, since it is considered contaminated. Wiping or recapping does not restore sterility.
Which classification system is used to grade surgical wound contamination and help guide antibiotic prophylaxis?
Altemeier's wound classification
Wagner Ulcer Grade
Clavien-Dindo classification
TNM Classification
Altemeier's classification categorizes wounds as clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, or dirty-infected and guides perioperative antibiotic strategies. TNM is for cancer staging; Clavien-Dindo grades postoperative complications.
Which instrument set is specifically prepared for an open cholecystectomy procedure?
Orthopedic trauma set
Neurosurgery micro set
Basic laparotomy set
Biliary/gallbladder instrument set
A biliary/gallbladder instrument set includes right-angle clamps, dome-tip retractors, and Metzenbaum scissors specifically for cholecystectomy. Laparotomy is more general; orthopedic and neuro sets are procedure-specific.
Which of the following suture patterns is best for closing a high-tension wound?
Simple interrupted
Continuous running
Subcuticular
Vertical mattress
Vertical mattress sutures provide excellent eversion and relieve tension across wound edges, making them ideal for high-tension closures. Simple interrupted is versatile but less tension-relieving.
Which sterilization method is most appropriate for an endoscope?
High-level disinfection (e.g., glutaraldehyde)
Dry heat oven
Gravity steam autoclave
Ethylene oxide gas
Flexible endoscopes require high-level disinfection with agents like glutaraldehyde or ortho-phthalaldehyde because heat sterilization can damage heat-sensitive components. EO gas is an option but requires aeration time.
During cardiothoracic surgery, which instrument is used to retract the sternum?
Taylor spinal retractor
Finochietto rib spreader
Bookwalter retractor
Weitlaner retractor
The Finochietto rib spreader is specifically designed to retract the sternum during thoracic procedures, providing stable exposure of the chest cavity. Weitlaners are self-retaining hand-held retractors; Bookwalter is a table-mounted abdominal retractor.
Which parameter must be monitored continuously when using pneumatic tourniquets during orthopedic cases?
Oxygen flow rate
Ambient room humidity
Core body temperature
Tourniquet pressure and time
Continuous monitoring of both tourniquet pressure (to avoid nerve and tissue damage) and inflation time (to reduce ischemic injury) is essential in orthopedic procedures. Temperature and humidity are unrelated.
Which laser safety precaution is mandatory in the operating room?
Cover all reflective surfaces with drapes
Lower the room lights completely
Use of smoke evacuator only
All personnel wear appropriate laser eyewear
All personnel must wear goggles specific to the wavelength of the laser to protect the eyes. Smoke evacuation and covering reflective surfaces are additional measures, but eyewear is mandatory.
What type of trap is used on an electrosurgical pencil to protect the generator from sparks?
Ultrasonic dampener
Mechanical filter trap
Spark gap circuit
RF choke
A spark gap circuit in the electrosurgical pencil prevents high-voltage sparks from feeding back into and damaging the generator. Other devices do not provide this function.
Which solution is recommended for decontamination of instruments exposed to prions (e.g., CJD)?
Ethylene oxide gas sterilization
Standard autoclaving at 121°C for 30 minutes
NaOH immersion followed by extended autoclave
Glutaraldehyde soaking for 20 minutes
Prions require harsh treatment: instruments should be immersed in 1N NaOH and then autoclaved at 121°C for 30 - 60 minutes. Standard sterilization is ineffective.
Which instrument provides atraumatic grasping during bowel surgery?
Ford spinal forceps
Allis forceps
Kocher forceps
Babcock forceps
Babcock forceps have flared, smooth jaws that grasp bowel without crushing. Allis and Kocher are more traumatic and used on tougher tissues.
Which component of the OR ventilation system helps maintain positive pressure?
HEPA filtration only
Recirculated exhaust
Ultraviolet air sterilizer
Air exchanges per hour
Maintaining a specified number of air exchanges per hour (usually 20+) ensures positive pressure by supplying more filtered air than is exhausted. HEPA filters remove particles but do not control pressure.
What is the primary risk if a surgical instrument coating is chipped or damaged?
Reduced cutting efficiency only
Increased risk of corrosion and patient reaction
Electrical conductivity changes
Increased instrument friction
Damaged instrument coatings expose base metal to corrosion and can shed particles into the patient, risking adverse tissue reaction. Friction and cutting efficiency may be affected, but corrosion and biocompatibility are primary.
Which surgical approach is preferred for excision of a pituitary adenoma?
Orbital osteotomy
Transnasal transsphenoidal
Pterional craniotomy
Suboccipital craniotomy
The transnasal transsphenoidal approach allows direct access to the sella turcica with minimal brain retraction and fewer complications. Craniotomies are more invasive.
Which electrosurgical mode minimizes lateral thermal spread when cutting delicate tissue?
Fulguration mode
Blend mode
Cut mode
Coagulation mode
Cut mode uses continuous waveform for precise incisions with minimal lateral thermal spread. Coagulation and fulguration are intermittent or high voltage, leading to broader thermal injury. Blend is intermediate.
Which antibiotic prophylaxis is most appropriate for a colon resection?
Vancomycin alone
Cefoxitin or cefotetan
Cefazolin alone
Clindamycin alone
For colorectal procedures, second-generation cephalosporins such as cefoxitin or cefotetan cover both aerobes and anaerobes. Cefazolin covers only gram-positives; vancomycin is reserved for MRSA coverage.
Which type of laser is absorbed primarily by water and used for precise superficial cutting?
CO2 laser
Diode laser
Nd:YAG laser
Argon laser
CO2 lasers emit at 10,600 nm, which is highly absorbed by water, allowing precise vaporization of superficial tissue with minimal depth penetration. Nd:YAG penetrates deeper.
What is the recommended time limit for continuous use of a pneumatic tourniquet on the lower extremity to minimize ischemic injury?
60 minutes
120 minutes
90 minutes
30 minutes
The generally accepted maximum tourniquet time on a lower extremity is 90 minutes to minimize muscle and nerve ischemia. Beyond this, risks of complications increase significantly.
Which vascular instrument tray component is used to control back-bleeding from collateral vessels?
Debakey forceps
Potts scissors
Lahey gallbladder clamp
Bulldog clamps
Bulldog clamps are small, spring-loaded clamps used to temporarily occlude vessels and control back-bleeding from collateral branches during vascular procedures. Debakey are atraumatic forceps.
Which hemostatic agent works by providing a matrix for platelet adhesion and clot formation?
Bone wax
Oxidized regenerated cellulose
Thrombin spray
Fibrin sealant
Oxidized regenerated cellulose (e.g., Surgicel) acts as a mechanical matrix promoting platelet adhesion and clot formation. Thrombin and fibrin sealant provide clotting factors, while bone wax occludes bleeding bone surfaces.
Which device is used to monitor central venous pressure intraoperatively?
Arterial line
Central venous catheter with transducer
Pulmonary artery catheter
Pulse oximeter
A central venous catheter connected to a pressure transducer measures central venous pressure directly. Arterial lines measure arterial pressure; pulmonary artery catheters measure pulmonary artery pressure.
Which of the following is the most critical step in prevention of retained surgical items?
Limit staff movement
Rely on X-ray at closure
Perform systematic sponge, needle, and instrument counts
Use radiopaque sponges only
Systematic counting of sponges, needles, and instruments before incision, during closure, and at final skin closure is the cornerstone of preventing retained surgical items. Radiopaque markers and X-ray are adjuncts.
Which suction tip is most appropriate for neurosurgical procedures to avoid tissue injury?
Frazier
Poole
Yankauer
Fraizer
The Frazier (often misspelled Frazer) tip has a small caliber and thumb port for precise suction in neurosurgery without damaging brain tissue. Yankauer and Poole are too large.
Which monitoring modality provides real-time visualization of coronary artery blood flow during CABG?
Intravascular ultrasound
Doppler flow probe
Epicardial echocardiography
Transesophageal echocardiography
Intravascular ultrasound provides high-resolution, real-time images of coronary artery lumen and flow, aiding in graft assessment during CABG. Doppler measures flow velocity but not intraluminal structure.
Which factor most significantly influences the rate of gas sterilant diffusion in low-temperature sterilization?
Ambient light
Color of packaging
Moisture content only
Temperature and concentration
The diffusion rate of gaseous sterilants (e.g., ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide plasma) depends on temperature and gas concentration. Moisture and packaging porosity also matter but temperature and concentration are primary.
Which advanced sterilization method uses hydrogen peroxide vapor under vacuum for lumened instruments?
Peracetic acid immersion
Dry heat forced air
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide plasma
EO gas
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization operates under vacuum and uses vapor-phase peroxide with plasma energy to sterilize lumened and heat-sensitive instruments rapidly. EO is gas-based at low temperature but slower.
Which physiological change must be monitored closely when using high-flow insufflation in pediatric laparoscopy?
Serum potassium
End-tidal CO2 and minute ventilation
BUN and creatinine
Core temperature only
High-flow CO2 insufflation can cause hypercarbia and acidosis, so continuous monitoring of end-tidal CO2 and ventilatory parameters is critical in pediatric patients. Temperature and electrolytes are less immediately affected.
Which regulatory standard governs use of biological indicators for steam sterilization validation?
EPA Pesticide Regulations
ANSI/AAMI ST79
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
NFPA 99
ANSI/AAMI ST79 provides comprehensive guidelines for steam sterilization validation and routine control, including biological indicators. NFPA 99 relates to health care facilities' electrical systems.
Which cytotoxic agent requires a class II biosafety cabinet for safe handling in the OR?
Lidocaine
Mitomycin C
Fentanyl
Vancomycin
Mitomycin C is a chemotherapeutic agent classified as cytotoxic and must be prepared in a class II biosafety cabinet to protect personnel from aerosolization or contact. Other agents listed are not cytotoxic chemotherapies.
In robotic surgery, which instrument articulation feature reproduces the surgeon's wrist motion inside the patient?
Sonic scalpels
EndoWrist technology
Ultrasonic shears
Fiberoptic illumination
EndoWrist instruments in robotic platforms mimic human wrist movements with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing precise dexterity. Ultrasonic shears and other tools are energy devices but do not replicate wrist motion.
Which traceability measure ensures surgical instrument sets can be tracked to a specific patient and sterilization cycle?
Visual inspection
Manual logbook only
Barcode or RFID tagging of sets
Color-coded container alone
Barcode or RFID tagging systems allow real-time tracking of instruments and linkage to patient records and sterilization cycles for traceability and recall management. Manual logs and color codes are less precise.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand core surgical technology concepts -

    Grasp essential principles of aseptic technique, instrumentation, and patient safety as tested in the Lange Q&A Surgical Technology Examination to strengthen your surgical technology exam prep.

  2. Apply sterile technique protocols -

    Demonstrate proper gowning, gloving, and sterile field management in line with CST standards by tackling targeted CST exam practice questions.

  3. Analyze exam-style questions -

    Develop critical thinking skills by breaking down question stems and answer choices, using strategies from the Appleton & Lange CST review to improve accuracy under timed conditions.

  4. Identify knowledge gaps -

    Use instant feedback from the surgical tech certification quiz to pinpoint weak areas in anatomy, pharmacology, and instrumentation for focused study.

  5. Practice time management -

    Hone pacing strategies through simulated quiz rounds in the Lange Q&A Surgical Technology Examination, ensuring you confidently complete all CST exam practice questions within the allotted time.

  6. Interpret feedback and track progress -

    Leverage detailed explanations and performance analytics to monitor improvements and tailor your study plan for the CST certification exam.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Aseptic Technique & Sterile Field Principles -

    Mastering aseptic technique means upholding the sterile field by following the "front-only, above-waist" rule and preserving a one-inch border around trays. According to AORN guidelines, any moisture on drapes or torn packaging automatically breaches sterility, so always discard questionable items. The phrase "If it's wet or torn, it's no longer sterile" helps quickly remind you of this critical principle.

  2. Instrument Classification & Identification -

    Surgical instruments are grouped by cutting, clamping, grasping, retracting, and suturing functions using the mnemonic "C-CARS" to recall each category. Practicing with CST exam practice questions from the Lange Q&A Surgical Technology Examination resource mirrors real test scenarios and reinforces shape-function associations, such as Mayo scissors for cutting versus Kelly forceps for clamping. Appleton & Lange CST review materials further suggest color-coding trays during study sessions to cement instrument families.

  3. Pharmacology & Medication Calculations -

    Focus on common intraoperative drugs like hemostatics and local anesthetics, understanding their concentrations and indications. Use the dosage formula "Dose (mg) = Volume (mL) × Strength (mg/mL)" and the drip-rate formula "(Volume mL × Drop factor) ÷ Time (min) = gtt/min" to solve calculation questions. This surgical tech certification quiz practice will boost your confidence on medication-related exam items.

  4. Anatomy Landmarks & Surgical Sites -

    Review key topographical landmarks such as McBurney's point for appendectomies and the anatomical layers of the abdominal wall (Skin, Subcutaneous, Fascia, Muscle, Peritoneum) using the mnemonic "SSFMP." Understanding Evans' muscle planes guides safe trocar placement in laparoscopic cases, as highlighted in surgical technology exam prep modules. Regular sketching of cross-sections can help visualize spatial relationships during procedures.

  5. Intraoperative Counting & Safety Protocols -

    Strict sponge, sharps, and instrument counts at incision, closure, and before wound closure are mandated by AST standards to prevent retained objects. Use the "S-S-I" sequence - sponges, sharps, instruments - during counts and employ radiopaque markers on sponges for X-ray verification if discrepancies arise. Simulating count scenarios with CST exam practice questions reinforces team communication and safety mindset.

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