National Board B Flashcards
Which of the following is considered the MOST important skill for a surgical
technologist?
A. management of specimens
B. management of sponges
C.maintaining an orderly setup
D. ensuring adequate lighting
A. management of specimens
The surgical incision that allows for the BEST visualization for a Billroth I
procedure is
A. McBurney’s.
B. Pfannenstiel.
C. midline.
D. subcostal.
C. midline.
During the postoperative phase, the personnel primarily responsible for
transporting soiled instrumentation to decontamination is the
A. housekeeping staff.
B. anesthesia technician.
C. surgical technologist.
D. central processing technician.
C. surgical technologist.
CSF is formed in the lateral ventricles of a patient and may not properly flow into
the third ventricle through the foramen of
A. Magendie into the fourth ventricle.
B. Monro into the fourth ventricle.
C. Sylvius into the fourth ventricle.
D. Luschka into the fourth ventricle.
C. Sylvius into the fourth ventricle.
During an excisional biopsy of sentinel nodes, the surgical technologist should
prepare specimens using which of the following methods?
A. Place on a Raytec to be handed off to the circulator.
B. Separate on Telfa and pass to the circulator.
C. Place in separate containers and identify.
D. Place in specimen container held by the circulator using a hemostat.
C. Place in separate containers and identify.
A surgical technologist received the following medications onto the sterile field: 0.9% sodium chloride, bacitracin 1 gm, and 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine.
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate way to label these medications?
A. saline + bacitracin and .25 Marcaine + epinephrine
B. NACL + 1 gm baci and 0.25 marc w/epi
C. saline + baci and 0.25% marc with epi
D. 0.9% saline + 1 gm bacitracin and 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine
D. 0.9% saline + 1 gm bacitracin and 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine
A thyroidectomy that was done earlier in the day is being brought back for
excessive bleeding from the incision. Which of the following items are needed for
this case?
A. Monocryl suture and harmonic scalpel
B. laps, silk ties, and hemoclips
C.X Vicryl ties, pledgets, and Alexis
D. nylon suture, Raytec, and Geralds
B. laps, silk ties, and hemoclips
If there is any question related to handling a specific type of specimen, which of
the following departments should be consulted?
A. histology
B. laboratory
C. pathology
D. radiology
C. pathology
The required number of air exchanges per hour in an OR is A. 5 to 10. B. 15 to 25. C. 30 to 35. D. 40 to 50.
B. 15 to 25.
A special-made instrument without a backup falls to the floor during a procedure.
Which of the following is the BEST reason to hesitate performing immediate-use
sterilization?
A. The sterilizer is used for implantable devices, but not instruments.
B. The manufacturer’s standards for sterilizing the instrument are unknown.
C. The staff feels uncomfortable transporting the unwrapped instrument to the
OR after sterilization.
D. There are no wrappers or pouches available for sterilizing the instrument.
B. The manufacturer’s standards for sterilizing the instrument are unknown.
When transferring a thoracotomy patient to recovery, the chest drainage system
should be
A. disconnected.
B. placed at the patient’s side.
C. positioned above the patient’s head.
D. maintained below the patient’s chest level.
D. maintained below the patient’s chest level.
Which of the following procedures requires an incision in the suprasternal notch? A. mediastinoscopy B. bronchoscopy C. parotidectomy D. pericardectomy
A. mediastinoscopy
When preparing surgical specimens, in addition to the surgical technologist,
who else is responsible for accurately labeling the specimen?
A. surgeon and anesthesiologist
B. circulating nurse and first assistant
C. anesthesiologist and first assistant
D. surgeon and circulating nurse
D. surgeon and circulating nurse
A T-tube drain may be used following A. a splenectomy. B. a choledochotomy. C. an appendectomy. D. a herniorrhaphy.
B. a choledochotomy.
When assisting with the closure of a skin incision and operating the skin stapler,
the surgical technologist places the staples through which two layers?
A. cuticular and subcuticular
B. subicular and subcutaneous
C. subcuticular and subcutaneous
D. subcutaneous and fascia
A. cuticular and subcuticular
A type of regional anesthesia in which a tourniquet is applied and local anesthetic
is administered intravenously is called a
A. Bier block.
B. peripheral nerve block.
C. MAC.
D. caudal anesthesia.
A. Bier block.
During a craniotomy, which of the following types of bone is entered? A. flat B. round C. long D. short
A. flat
A physician prescribed 50 milligrams of Demerol. The Demerol is supplied in 100
mg/mL. How many mL of Demerol should be given?
A. 0.5 mL
B. 1.0 mL
C. 1.5 mL
D. 2.0 mL
A. 0.5 mL
Which of the following is MOST likely to be used during a posterior cervical decompression? A. Kirschner wire B. Hoffman device C. Steinmann pins D. Mayfield clamp
D. Mayfield clamp
Which of the following is the MOST acceptable technique when placing a patient in
the lithotomy position?
A. arms placed on arm boards placed at 110 degrees
B. legs placed in stirrups one at a time
C. both legs placed in stirrups simultaneously
D. hips placed above the lower break of the table
C. both legs placed in stirrups simultaneously
Which of the following supplies should the surgical technologist have available for placement of a long arm cast? A. Xeroform B. Webril C. Telfa D. Kerlix
B. Webril
How much 0.25% bupivacaine should be mixed with 1 mL of 1.0% lidocaine to
make the solution equal strengths of both medications?
A. 2.0 mL
B. 4.0 mL
C. 5.0 mL
D. 10.0 mL
B. 4.0 mL
The appendiceal stump, when inverted, is held in place by which of the following types of sutures? A. mattress B. traction C. interrupted D. purse-string
D. purse-string
A surgeon asks for warm irrigation after a right hemicolectomy. Which of the
following BEST describes the reason for irrigating at this point in the procedure?
A. to clean out the area of any loose tissue
B. to maintain the core body temperature
C. to eliminate any infection-causing microbes
D. to aid visual inspection for leakage
D. to aid visual inspection for leakage
Which of the following devices should the surgical technologist have delivered to
the sterile field for a low anterior resection?
A. GIA linear stapler
B. ligating dividing stapler
C. intraluminal stapler
D. TA-60 stapler
C. intraluminal stapler
Which of the following is reshaped during a total hip arthroplasty? A. fibula B. acetabulum C. iliac crest D. tibia
B. acetabulum
An organization that regulates the production of biological sterilization test packs in-house is A. CDC. B. ANSI. C. AAMI. D. SDS.
C. AAMI.
Rod-shaped bacteria are called A. bacilli. B. cocci. C. vibrio. D. spirals.
A. bacilli.
A type of passive transport when salt crystals dissolve in water is known as A. phagocytosis. B. endocytosis. C. osmosis. D. diffusion.
D. diffusion.
Utilization of lasers in the operating room requires the use of A. a HEPA filter mask. B. a lead apron. C. double gloves. D. eye protection.
D. eye protection.
During application of a Volar splint, the surgical technologist notices that the
splint was not completely dried and has caused a pressure point on the patient.
Which of the following should be the surgical technologist’s NEXT step?
A. Allow the splint to remain as-is and allow more time to dry.
B. Notify the nurse and let the nurse handle it.
C. Bring it to the surgeon’s attention and assist in putting on a new splint.
D. Apply a new splint and notify the surgeon when finished.
C. Bring it to the surgeon’s attention and assist in putting on a new splint.
Sponges that have been added to the sterile field after a procedure has begun
should be counted by the
A. circulator and surgeon.
B. surgical technologist and surgical first assistant.
C. surgeon and surgical first assistant.
D. surgical technologist and the circulator.
D. surgical technologist and the circulator.
Which of the following spore-forming microorganisms are used as biological
monitors for checking steam sterilization effectiveness for a load of instruments in
a rigid container?
A. Bacillus stearothermophilus
B. Bacillus atrophaeus
C. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
D. Streptococcus pyogenes
A. Bacillus stearothermophilus
After surgery, the scrub tech takes the instruments used in surgery to the
decontamination area. How soon should these instruments be washed?
A. within 20 minutes
B. within 10 minutes
C. as soon as they arrive to the decontamination area
D. any time the technologist is available
A. within 20 minutes
Which of the following types of laser is typically used for stone fragmentation in the ureter? A. argon B. krypton C. carbon dioxide D. holmium: YAG
D. holmium: YAG
If a patient is undergoing a mastectomy immediately followed by reconstruction,
how many surgical setups should be obtained?
A. One; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, so the
same instruments can be used without additional interventions.
B. One; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, so the
same instruments can be used after they are cleaned with sterile water.
C. Two; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, but a
second set of instruments should be used to prevent seeding.
D. Two; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, but it will
be done in a different OR so two sets are needed.
C. Two; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, but a
second set of instruments should be used to prevent seeding.
Which of the following instruments is used to thread a vascular graft from one incision to another? A. hemostat B. tunneler C. DeBakey vascular forceps D. Randall Stone forceps
B. tunneler
A patient has developed a hematoma at the incision site after the surgeon has left
the room. The surgical technologist should
A. place a pressure dressing on the site.
B. cover the site with Dermabond.
C. use a Steri-Strip for the incision site.
D. request the surgeon to return.
D. request the surgeon to return.
The surgical technologist hands the surgeon the dressing at the end of a
procedure. Which of the following is the BEST method to follow in regard
to removing the drape?
A. The circulator applies the tape before the removal of the drape.
B. The circulator assists the surgeon with cleaning the patient before
removing the drape.
C. A sterile team member holds the dressing in place while the drape is
removed.
D. A sterile team member applies the tape after the drape has been removed.
C. A sterile team member holds the dressing in place while the drape is
removed.
Following an abdominal surgery, the surgeon has just closed the
peritoneum. Which of the following layers will be sutured NEXT?
A. fascia
B. muscle
C. subcutaneous
D. subcuticular
A. fascia
Which of the following arteries is commonly used for taking a blood pressure reading? A. radial B. femoral C. brachial D. popliteal
C. brachial
Which of the following is applied as a nonadherent dressing? A. Adaptic B. Dermabond C. Steri-Strip D. Elastoplast
A. Adaptic
When donning gloves using the open-gloving technique, the ungloved hand will touch the A. outer side of the cuff of the glove. B. outer side of the sterile glove. C. cuffed edge nearest the glove palm. D. folded edge of the cuff of the glove.
D. folded edge of the cuff of the glove.
Necrotizing fasciitis confined to the perineum and scrotum is known as A. cellulitis. B. Gerota's fasciitis. C. boil. D. Fornier's gangrene
D. Fornier’s gangrene
Where is the gastrocnemius muscle located? A. arm B. calf C. back D. thigh
B. calf
For a splenectomy procedure, which of the following clamps should be used? A. Allen B. Doyen C. Duval D. Satinsky
D. Satinsky
A cystectomy with ileal conduit procedure was performed. The surgical
technologist anticipates the need for a stoma
A. pouch to collect body fluids.
B. flange to create an artificial orifice.
C. pouch to heal the wound.
D. collar to provide suction for drainage.
A. pouch to collect body fluids.
IUSS sterilizers are typically located in an area
A. that is designated as a restricted sub-sterile room.
B. in the semi-restricted corridor with other equipment.
C. outside of the OR department.
D. inside a designated OR.
A. that is designated as a restricted sub-sterile room.
Which of the following surgical needles is MOST appropriate for use in a liver resection? A. cutting B. taper C. blunt D. trocar
C. blunt
To help in the calculation of the amount of blood loss, the surgical technologist
should
A. weigh the blood-soaked sponges.
B. measure the amount of collected fluid.
C. administer the blood replacement.
D. report the amount of irrigation used.
D. report the amount of irrigation used.
During dilation and curettage, after the Auvard weighted vaginal speculum is
placed, which of the following instruments is used to grasp the cervix?
A. Hegar dilator
B. uterine sound
C. Sim’s curette
D. single tooth tenaculum
D. single tooth tenaculum
Which of the following is the MOST accurate method to check steam autoclave effectiveness? A. chemical indicator B. biological indicator C. external tape D. temperature recording device
B. biological indicator
Following a surgical procedure, which of the following is the BEST sequence of
actions for a surgical technologist to take?
A. Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and gloves, and don a pair of unsterile
gloves to aid in the care of the patient.
B. Remove gown and gloves, don a pair of unsterile gloves to remove drapes
from the patient, and remove instruments and supplies from the back table.
C.
Remove gown and gloves, don a pair of sterile gloves to remove drapes
from the patient, then replace those gloves with a pair of unsterile gloves to
clean the back table.
D. Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and gloves, and don a pair of sterile
gloves to clean the back table.
A. Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and gloves, and don a pair of unsterile
Which of the following will place a staff member at risk for work-related
musculoskeletal disorders?
A. working in the same posture for prolonged periods
B. making small adjustments to a chair or backrest
C. using four team members to transfer a patient laterally
D. frequent position changes while standing at the sterile field
A. working in the same posture for prolonged periods
While setting up for a surgical procedure, a surgical technologist discovers a
puncture in the right surgical glove. If no one is available to assist, the BEST
solution for the surgical technologist is to
A. request the circulator to reglove the contaminated hand.
B. ask the circulator for a new set of gloves to perform a closed-gloved
technique.
C. ask the circulator for a new gown and gloves to regown and reglove.
D. request another set of gloves to place over the punctured glove.
C. ask the circulator for a new gown and gloves to regown and reglove.
During the application of arch bars, the surgeon will MOST likely use which of the
following between the teeth and around the bar?
A. 0-1 Dexon
B. 5-0 to 6-0 Vicryl
C. 24- or 26-gauge stainless steel wire
D. 35- or 40-gauge stainless steel wire
C. 24- or 26-gauge stainless steel wire
Which of the following is necessary for ethylene oxide sterilization to occur? A. indirect contact B. gravity displacement C. humidity D. steam
C. humidity
Which of the following is the correct skin preparation for a female patient
undergoing a right mastectomy with possible axillary dissection?
A. shoulder, upper arm and extending down to the elbow, axilla, chest to the
table line, and to the left shoulder
B. base of the neck, shoulder, scapula, chest to midline, and circumference of
upper arm down to the elbow
C. entire arm, shoulder, axilla, including the hand
D. chin to umbilicus and laterally to the table line
A. shoulder, upper arm and extending down to the elbow, axilla, chest to the
table line, and to the left shoulder
Which of the following is done FIRST when performing a myringotomy? A. inserting a drainage tube B. incising the tympanic membrane C. suctioning fluid from the middle ear D. removing cerumen from the ear canal
D. removing cerumen from the ear canal
During a laminectomy, disk material is removed with a A. Cobb elevator. B. Kerrison rongeur. C. pituitary rongeur. D. periosteal elevator.
C. pituitary rongeur.