National Board B Flashcards

1
Q

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

A. management of specimens

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

The surgical incision that allows for the BEST visualization for a Billroth I
procedure is

A. McBurney’s.
B. Pfannenstiel.
C. midline.
D. subcostal.

A

C. midline.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

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.

A

C. surgical technologist.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

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.

A

C. Sylvius into the fourth ventricle.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

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.

A

C. Place in separate containers and identify.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

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

A

D. 0.9% saline + 1 gm bacitracin and 0.25% Marcaine with epinephrine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

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

A

B. laps, silk ties, and hemoclips

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

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

A

C. pathology

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q
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.
A

B. 15 to 25.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

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.

A

B. The manufacturer’s standards for sterilizing the instrument are unknown.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

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.

A

D. maintained below the patient’s chest level.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q
Which of the following procedures requires an incision in the suprasternal notch?
A. mediastinoscopy
B. bronchoscopy
C.  parotidectomy
D. pericardectomy
A

A. mediastinoscopy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

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

A

D. surgeon and circulating nurse

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q
A T-tube drain may be used following
A. a splenectomy.
B. a choledochotomy.
C. an appendectomy.
D. a herniorrhaphy.
A

B. a choledochotomy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

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

A. cuticular and subcuticular

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

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

A. Bier block.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q
During a craniotomy, which of the following types of bone is entered?
A. flat
B. round
C. long
D. short
A

A. flat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

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

A. 0.5 mL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q
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
A

D. Mayfield clamp

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

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

A

C. both legs placed in stirrups simultaneously

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q
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
A

B. Webril

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

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

A

B. 4.0 mL

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q
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
A

D. purse-string

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

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

A

D. to aid visual inspection for leakage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

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

A

C. intraluminal stapler

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q
Which of the following is reshaped during a total hip arthroplasty?
A. fibula
B. acetabulum
C. iliac crest
D. tibia
A

B. acetabulum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q
An organization that regulates the production of biological sterilization test packs
in-house is
A. CDC.
B. ANSI.
C. AAMI.
D. SDS.
A

C. AAMI.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q
Rod-shaped bacteria are called
A. bacilli.
B. cocci.
C. vibrio.
D. spirals.
A

A. bacilli.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q
A type of passive transport when salt crystals dissolve in water is known as
A. phagocytosis.
B. endocytosis.
C. osmosis.
D. diffusion.
A

D. diffusion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q
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.
A

D. eye protection.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

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.

A

C. Bring it to the surgeon’s attention and assist in putting on a new splint.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

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.

A

D. surgical technologist and the circulator.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

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

A. Bacillus stearothermophilus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

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

A. within 20 minutes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q
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
A

D. holmium: YAG

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

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.

A

C. Two; the reconstruction will immediately follow the mastectomy, but a
second set of instruments should be used to prevent seeding.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q
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
A

B. tunneler

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

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.

A

D. request the surgeon to return.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

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.

A

C. A sterile team member holds the dressing in place while the drape is
removed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

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

A. fascia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q
Which of the following arteries is commonly used for taking a blood pressure
reading?
A. radial
B. femoral
C. brachial
D. popliteal
A

C. brachial

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q
Which of the following is applied as a nonadherent dressing?
A. Adaptic
B. Dermabond
C. Steri-Strip
D. Elastoplast
A

A. Adaptic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q
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.
A

D. folded edge of the cuff of the glove.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q
Necrotizing fasciitis confined to the perineum and scrotum is known as
A. cellulitis.
B. Gerota's fasciitis.
C. boil.
D. Fornier's gangrene
A

D. Fornier’s gangrene

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q
Where is the gastrocnemius muscle located?
A. arm
B. calf
C. back
D. thigh
A

B. calf

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q
For a splenectomy procedure, which of the following clamps should be used?
A. Allen
B. Doyen
C. Duval
D. Satinsky
A

D. Satinsky

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

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

A. pouch to collect body fluids.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

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

A. that is designated as a restricted sub-sterile room.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q
Which of the following surgical needles is MOST appropriate for use in a liver
resection?
A. cutting
B. taper
C. blunt
D. trocar
A

C. blunt

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

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.

A

D. report the amount of irrigation used.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

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

A

D. single tooth tenaculum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q
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
A

B. biological indicator

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

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

A. Remove sterile drapes, remove gown and gloves, and don a pair of unsterile

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

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

A. working in the same posture for prolonged periods

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

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.

A

C. ask the circulator for a new gown and gloves to regown and reglove.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

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

A

C. 24- or 26-gauge stainless steel wire

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q
Which of the following is necessary for ethylene oxide sterilization to occur?
A. indirect contact
B. gravity displacement
C. humidity
D. steam
A

C. humidity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

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

A. shoulder, upper arm and extending down to the elbow, axilla, chest to the
table line, and to the left shoulder

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q
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
A

D. removing cerumen from the ear canal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q
During a laminectomy, disk material is removed with a
A. Cobb elevator.
B. Kerrison rongeur.
C. pituitary rongeur.
D. periosteal elevator.
A

C. pituitary rongeur.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

When positioning a patient for lithotomy, care should be taken to avoid injury of
the peroneal nerve, which can cause injury to the
A. hip.
B. ankle.
C. foot.
D. elbow.

A

A. hip.

62
Q
Which of the following is the name of the MOST common BI used for ethylene
oxide sterilization?
A. Geobacillus thermoglucosidasius
B. Bacillus atrophaeus
C. Bacillus anthracis
D. Geobacillus stearothermophilus
A

B. Bacillus atrophaeus

63
Q
Apart from trauma cases, which of the following incisions would be BEST for
sigmoid surgery?
A. vertical midline
B. vertical paramedian
C. oblique subcostal
D. lower transverse
A

B. vertical paramedian

64
Q

Which of the following suturing techniques features short lateral stitches that are
taken beneath the epithelial layer of skin?
A. purse-string
B. traction
C. mattress
D. subcuticular

A

D. subcuticular

65
Q
Which of the following reflexes involves plantar flexion of the foot?
A. Achilles
B. patellar
C. Babinski
D. abdominal
A

A. Achilles

66
Q
In which of the following procedures should the surgical technologist expect to
use cottonoids?
A. abdominal hysterectomy
B. abdominal perineal resection
C. lumbar laminectomy
D. open cholecystectomy
A

C. lumbar laminectomy

67
Q
Which of the following advantages do hand-held retractors have over selfretaining
retractors?
A. less exposure
B. operator dependency
C. fatigue reduction
D. repositioning ability
A

D. repositioning ability

68
Q

A surgical technologist is preparing a fresh specimen for frozen section to be passed off of the field. How should the specimen be prepared to be passed to the
circulator?
A. Wrap it in a moist sponge.
B. Remove any suture material that may be attached.
C. Wrap it in a Telfa pad.
D. Remove it from the back table using a hemostat.

A

C. Wrap it in a Telfa pad.

69
Q
Which of the following surgical procedures may be used to remove a carcinoma
from the head of the pancreas?
A. Heller
B. Whipple
C. Bankart
D. Billroth I
A

B. Whipple

70
Q
The only true indicator of item sterility is
A. mechanical.
B. chemical.
C. administrative.
D. biological.
A

D. biological.

71
Q
A #12 knife blade on a #7 handle is MOST commonly used for which of the
following types of surgery?
A. gastrectomy
B. hysterectomy
C. adenoidectomy
D. tonsillectomy
A

D. tonsillectomy

72
Q

Which of the following terms refers to the transfer of heat from one substance to
another by the natural movement of molecules, setting other molecules in motion?
A. amplitude
B. conduction
C. convection
D. insulator

A

B. conduction

73
Q

Which of the following important considerations should be taken by the surgical
technologist when it comes to the suture material for third intention closure?
A. A low-capillary action suture will not retain moisture.
B. Choosing the proper tensile strength of the suture can aid in healing.
C. The handling of suture is more important than the suture material.
D. The size of the suture is more important than the suture material.

A

A. A low-capillary action suture will not retain moisture.

74
Q
The parathyroid gland regulates
A. insulin.
B. calcium.
C. sodium.
D. aldosterone.
A

B. calcium.

75
Q
A pad-like sac or cavity that prevents friction within a joint is known as a
A. bursa.
B. fossa.
C. ganglion.
D. ligament.
A

A. bursa.

76
Q
Which of the following staplers should be used for low anterior intestinal
resection?
A. EEA
B. skin
C. LDS
D. purse string
A

A. EEA

77
Q

Which of the following is the name of the avascular strip of tissue at the midline
which runs from the xiphoid process to the pubis?
A. linea semilunaris
B. linea alba
C. arcuate line
D. midaxillary line

A

B. linea alba

78
Q

A wound that has regrowth of damaged blood vessels and synthesizes scar tissue
is in which of the following wound healing phases?
A. inflammatory
B. migratory
C. proliferative
D. maturation

A

B. migratory

79
Q
When cleaning instruments, the PH of the water that should be used is
A. 5.0.
B. 6.0.
C. 7.0.
D. 8.0.
A

C. 7.0.

80
Q
Which of the following is a heavy, curved, tapered needle?
A. Mayo
B. Keith
C. Ferguson
D. Arterial
A

A. Mayo

81
Q
Once a procedure has concluded, the proper order to remove personal protective
equipment is
A. gown, gloves, and then mask.
B. gloves, gown, and then hat.
C. gloves, gown, and then mask.
D. gown, gloves, and then hat.
A

A. gown, gloves, and then mask.

82
Q
Which of the following is the name of the incision made in a simple open
nephrectomy?
A. Gibson
B. low transverse
C. subcostal flank
D. McBurney's
A

C. subcostal flank

83
Q

An excised lipoma was filled with non-purulent serosanguineous fluid. Which of
the following should be documented as the wound classification for this
procedure?
A. clean wound
B. dirty-infected
C. clean-contaminated
D. contaminated

A

D. contaminated

84
Q

Which of the following medications is the anesthesia provider responsible for
recording the name, amount, and delivery method during a surgical procedure?
A. thrombin
B. topically applied epinephrine
C. polymyxin B sulfate irrigation
D. propofol

A

D. propofol

85
Q

Which of the following can prevent thrombophlebitis in a patient who is
considered bariatric?
A. a Bair hugger
B. sequential compression device
C. another OR table to accommodate the patient
D. extra positioning aids

A

B. sequential compression device

86
Q
Which of the following staplers is used to divide blood vessels?
A. EEA
B. LDS
C. GIA
D. TA-60
A

B. LDS

87
Q
Which of the following cranial nerves' nuclei are associated with the medulla?
A. trigeminal
B. abducens
C. facial
D. vagus
A

D. vagus

88
Q

Mannitol (Osmitrol) is used in neurosurgical procedures to
A. prevent bleeding.
B. decrease intracranial pressure.
C. anesthetize the operative site.
D. fight possible postoperative infection.

A

B. decrease intracranial pressure.

89
Q

Once a surgical technologist dons a gown, the cuffs on the gown are considered
unsterile because they are
A. covered by the inside of the sterile glove.
B. twice as thick as the sleeve.
C. absorbant and collect moisture.
D. stretchable and pliable.

A

C. absorbant and collect moisture.

90
Q
A patient is having a hemolytic reaction. Which of the following actions should
the surgical team take FIRST?
A. Administer dantrolene.
B. Stop the transfusion.
C. Monitor urine output.
D. Send a blood sample to blood bank.
A

B. Stop the transfusion.

91
Q

Which of the following is a type of emergency that does not require Federal
assistance and is MOST likely to occur in a larger city?
A. mass casualty event
B. pandemic
C. natural disaster
D. terrorism

A

A. mass casualty event

92
Q
Which of the following instruments is found in a basic laparotomy setup?
A. Castroviejo needle holder
B. Mayo scissors
C. Dandy clamp
D. Raney clip applier
A

B. Mayo scissors

93
Q
Which of the following instruments is used for placement of cottonoids during a
craniotomy?
A. bayonet forceps
B. Russian forceps
C. hemostat clamp
D. DeBakey clamp
A

A. bayonet forceps

94
Q
Which of the following structures are ligated and divided during a
cholecystectomy?
A. cystic artery and cystic duct
B. hepatic artery and hepatic duct
C. cystic artery and common bile duct
D. hepatic artery and pancreatic duct
A

A. cystic artery and cystic duct

95
Q

A surgeon requests a patient to be placed into the lithotomy position for the
surgical procedure. Which of the following positioning devices must be obtained?
A. leg stirrups
B. chest rolls
C. bean bags
D. axillary rolls

A

A. leg stirrups

96
Q

A patient is in the supine position following a lung resection. Which of the
following BEST describes the placement of the collection unit once it is connected
to the chest tube?
A. above the level of the thoracic cavity
B. below the level of the thoracic cavity
C. at the level of the patient’s head
D. at the level of the patient’s feet

A

B. below the level of the thoracic cavity

97
Q

Which of the following anatomical structures is located just under the diaphragm
in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen?
A. stomach
B. appendix
C. gallbladder
D. liver

A

A. stomach

98
Q

Which of the following is the MOST important consideration when cutting
a suture?
A. avoiding the knot
B. using sharp scissors
C. opening the scissors wide when cutting
D. tagging the end of suture to be cut with a hemostat

A

A. avoiding the knot

99
Q
The oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells is a function of
A. albumin.
B. hemoglobin.
C. hematocrit.
D. prothrombin.
A

B. hemoglobin.

100
Q

At the start of a surgical procedure, two Forester sponge forceps are clamped to
the end of a drape sheet so the drape ends can be securely weighted down during
C-arm use. At the end of the surgical case, the two Forester sponge forceps are
unclamped by the radiology technician. The surgical technologist should
A. take the sponge forceps and place them on the back table.
B. request that the sponge forceps be placed inside the case cart.
C. rake the sponge forceps and place them in the case cart.
D. request that the sponge forceps be placed onto the back table.

A

B. request that the sponge forceps be placed inside the case cart.

101
Q

During a procedure, a surgical technologist touches an unsterile item with a sterile
glove. The surgical technologist should
A. change the glove at once.
B. break scrub and rescrub.
C. wait until closing to change the glove.
D. ask the surgeon for a recommendation.

A

A. change the glove at once.

102
Q

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. TA
B. GIA
C. EEA
D. LDS

A

B. GIA

103
Q

In decontamination, the instruments are sticking and difficult to open. To aid in
the process of washing instruments, the surgical technologist should have
A. used a basin with sterile water on the field to soak and clean instruments
intraoperatively.
B. cleaned the instruments between uses with normal saline.
C. used a basin with enzymatic cleaner on the field to soak and clean
instruments intraoperatively.
D. requested the circulator clean the instruments with glycine.

A

A. used a basin with sterile water on the field to soak and clean instruments
intraoperatively.

104
Q

While removing peel pack instruments from the sterilizer, a surgical technologist
notices several of the packages have ruptured. The MOST likely cause is that the
A. air was not evacuated from the pouch.
B. temperature of the autoclave was too high.
C. package was sterilized too long.
D. instruments in the pouch were too heavy.

A

A. air was not evacuated from the pouch.

105
Q

A surgical technologist is explaining the steps of the electrosurgical unit circuit to
a student. The surgical technologist should explain that the electric current is
channeled back to the generator through the
A. power source.
B. active electrode.
C. patient.
D. dispersive electrode.

A

D. dispersive electrode.

106
Q

When wrapping individual instruments, what is the MOST important sterilization
principle?
A. having an indicator with the instrument
B. using an absorbent towel with the instrument
C. placing a plastic wrap over the instrument
D. using any size wrapper with the instrument

A

A. having an indicator with the instrument

107
Q

Preparing instrument sets and packages for sterilization requires a label indicating
the
A. sterilization date, sterilizer ID, load number, and preparer’s initials.
B. preparation date, preparer’s initials, and department to which the package
belongs.
C. preparer’s initials, manufacturer ID, and cycle number.
D. department code, date of expiration, and sterilizer time parameters.

A

A. sterilization date, sterilizer ID, load number, and preparer’s initials

108
Q

Which of the following portions of the colon is used as an “end colostomy”
following an abdominal perineal resection?
A. cecum
B. hepatic flexure
C. sigmoid
D. splenic flexure

A

C. sigmoid

109
Q
A resectoscope is used in which of the following prostatic approaches?
A. perineal
B. suprapubic
C. retropubic
D. transurethral
A

D. transurethral

110
Q

In which of the following situations can a DNR order be continued in an
unconscious patient for a surgical procedure?
A. The patient’s durable POA requests it be continued.
B. The patient’s family requests it be continued.
C. The surgeon requests its be continued.
D. The CRNA requests it be continued.

A

A. The patient’s durable POA requests it be continued.

111
Q
In local anesthesia, which of the following drugs provides the shortest duration of
numbness?
A. lidocaine
B. ropivacaine
C. bupivacaine
D. mepivacaine
A

A. lidocaine

112
Q
After completion of a procedure, the dispersive electrode is removed and the skin
is examined for
A. burns.
B. cleanliness.
C. excess adhesive.
D. bruises.
A

A. burns.

113
Q
Retention sutures are typically advantageous when a patient is
A. pediatric.
B. athletic.
C. thin.
D. diabetic.
A

D. diabetic.

114
Q
Which of the following surrounds the kidney?
A. synovial membrane
B. Gerota's fascia
C. Hesselbach's triangle
D. suprapleural membrane
A

B. Gerota’s fascia

115
Q
Heaney clamps are used MOST frequently for which of the following types of
surgery?
A. hysterectomy.
B. lobectomy.
C. cystectomy.
D. gastrectomy.
A

A. hysterectomy.

116
Q

During a peripheral vascular procedure, heparinized saline is used as an irrigant.
The circulating nurse is ready to draw 10,000 units of heparin from a 2-milliliter
ampoule to deliver onto the sterile field, but only 5,000 units of heparin is needed.
How much heparin, in milliliters, should be delivered to the sterile field?
A. 0.5 mL
B. 1 mL
C. 1.5 mL
D. 2 mL

A

B. 1 mL

117
Q

After the surgical gown has been removed and disposed of in the waste container,
how should the surgical gloves be removed?
A. closed glove technique
B. one layer at a time
C. two layers at a time
D. open glove technique

A

B. one layer at a time

118
Q
A major function of the colon is to
A. absorb water.
B. secrete hormones.
C. secrete digestive enzymes.
D. absorb the products of digestion.
A

A. absorb water.

119
Q

Which of the following is the MOST efficient way to communicate changes to a
surgeon’s preference card to the surgical technologist staff?
A. phone call
B. email
C. written mail
D. word of mouth

A

B. email

120
Q

If an x-ray cassette must be placed directly against the operative site, it must be
A. sterilized using hydrogen peroxide plasma.
B. placed in a sterile pillowcase.
C. sterilized using peracetic acid.
D. placed in a sterile cassette cover.

A

D. placed in a sterile cassette cover.

121
Q
When steam comes into an autoclave from an outside source, the steam is heated
in the
A. vacuum system.
B. chamber.
C. thermostatic trap.
D. jacket.
A

D. jacket.

122
Q
Which of the following instruments has teeth?
A. Kocher
B. Mixter
C. Babcock
D. Mosquito
A

A. Kocher

123
Q

Following a hysterectomy, the surgical technologist participates in the debriefing,
which includes
A. stating the patient’s pain level.
B. discharge planning.
C. completeness and correction of all counts.
D. stating the length of time the surgery lasted.

A

C. completeness and correction of all counts.

124
Q

A surgeon performing an arterial graft placement on a patient confirms that there
is an occlusion in a portion of the artery, and that it must be removed. The
surgeon requests a 3-way stopcock and a 1 milliliter tuberculin syringe. Which
of the following items will the surgical technologist also need to be delivered onto
the sterile field for removal of the occlusion?
A. umbilical tape
B. Fogarty catheter
C. Groshong catheter
D. vessel loops

A

B. Fogarty catheter

125
Q
A surgical "time out" must be performed prior to
A. leaving the pre-op holding area.
B. making the initial incision.
C. placing the grounding pad.
D. intubating the patient.
A

B. making the initial incision.

126
Q
Which of the following classifications of disinfection is used to kill all bacteria,
viruses, and fungi?
A. standard
B. intermediate-level
C. high-level
D. antiseptic
A

C. high-level

127
Q

Which of the following is true regarding Avitene?
A. It must be reconstituted with saline before use.
B. It is a form of mechanical hemostatic used on bone.
C. It is a gelatin sponge commonly soaked in thrombin.
D. It is a collagen powder that must be kept dry.

A

D. It is a collagen powder that must be kept dry.

128
Q
During general anesthesia, which of the following complications of vomiting is
considered the MOST dangerous?
A. dehiscence
B. aspiration
C. dehydration
D. evisceration
A

B. aspiration

129
Q
Which of the following types of hernias require urgent surgical treatment?
A. reducible
B. strangulated
C. incisional
D. inguinal
A

B. strangulated

130
Q
Which of the following is the receiving nerve end of all transmission?
A. cell body
B. dendrite
C. axon
D. trigger zone
A

B. dendrite

131
Q
Which of the following instruments must be readily available for a modified radical
mastectomy?
A. Stevens scissors
B. Jorgenson scissors
C. extra #11 blades
D. extra #10 blades
A

D. extra #10 blades

132
Q

During knee meniscectomy, the surgeon notices bright spots in the picture. Which
of the following is the MOST likely problem?
A. dirty lens
B. camera has condensation
C. loose wire
D. faulty fiber optic cable

A

D. faulty fiber optic cable

133
Q
After manually removing bioburden from a Westcott scissor, the process to
continue decontamination is called
A. emulsification.
B. cavitation.
C. immersion.
D. deionization.
A

B. cavitation.

134
Q

Which of the following terms best describes the formal medical process when
death occurs in surgery and the surgeon and anesthesia care provider must verify
that death has occurred?
A. determination of death
B. rigor mortis
C. postmortem procedures
D. livor mortis

A

A. determination of death

135
Q

While opening a back table, the surgical technologist notices a hair in the open
sterile pack. The chemical indicators show that the pack has been properly
sterilized. The surgical technologist should
A. Ignore it since the hair has gone through the sterilization process.
B. Continue setup and cover with a blue towel.
C. Break down and obtain new equipment.
D. Notify materials management.

A

C. Break down and obtain new equipment.

136
Q
When inflating a 5-cc balloon on a Foley catheter, which of the following would be
the MOST appropriate choice?
A. 3-5 mL of sterile water
B. 3-5 mL of normal saline
C. 8-10 mL of sterile water
D. 8-10 mL of normal saline
A

C. 8-10 mL of sterile water

137
Q

The surgical technologist is alarmed by the slurred speech, smell of alcohol, and
disheveled appearance of the surgeon while he dons gown and gloves. The
surgical technologist should
A. observe the surgeon for further impairment.
B. share the event with co-workers in the lounge.
C. request a different assignment to avoid liability.
D. request a nurse manager to come to the room.

A

D. request a nurse manager to come to the room.

138
Q
An Esmarch should be applied to an extremity
A. proximal to distal.
B. distal to proximal.
C. ventral to dorsal.
D. dorsal to ventral.
A

B. distal to proximal.

139
Q

While preparing a sterile field, a surgical technologist secures the Bovie holster to
the Mayo stand. The surgeon insists on keeping the Bovie attached to the drapes
within reach for ease of access. Which of the following would be the BEST course
of action?
A. Move Bovie holster up by head of patient.
B. Do not move the Bovie holster.
C. Tell the circulator to document the surgeon’s response.
D. Remove the Bovie from the field.

A

A. Move Bovie holster up by head of patient.

140
Q

Which of the following machines in the sterile processing
department uses cavitation for cleaning instruments?
A. washer-decontaminator
B. steam sterilizer
C. ethylene oxide sterilizer
D. ultrasonic cleaner

A

D. ultrasonic cleaner

141
Q

Which of the following instrument sets should be added to the general abdominal
set-up when an inguinal hernia is thought to be strangulated?
A. rectal
B. vascular
C. common duct
D. gastrointestinal

A

D. gastrointestinal

142
Q
During an intraocular procedure, there is an increase in a patient's IOP. Which medication should the surgical technologist anticipate being used?
A. Mydriacyl
B. Pilocarpine
C. Cyclogel
D. Wydase
A

B. Pilocarpine

143
Q
Which of the following is an example of a sesamoid bone?
A. patella
B. tibia
C. femur
D. sternum
A

A. patella

144
Q
Which of the following is a normal adult white blood cell count?
A. 1,000 to 4,000
B. 5,000 to 10,000
C. 11,000 to 14,000
D. 15,000 to 20,000
A

B. 5,000 to 10,000

145
Q
Which of the following is the fourth stage of the Kubler-Ross Model?
A. denial
B. depression
C. acceptance
D. anger
A

B. depression

146
Q
Which of the following connections do ligaments make?
A. muscle to muscle
B. muscle to bone
C. tendon to muscle
D. bone to bone
A

D. bone to bone

147
Q

When using the neutral zone technique, a surgical technologist should
A. pass the blade to the surgeon hand to hand.
B. place soiled sponges in the neutral zone.
C. ensure communication is established.
D. place multiple sharps in the neutral zone together.

A

C. ensure communication is established.

148
Q

Which of the following categories of symbiosis applies when both organisms
benefit from, and depend upon, one another to a certain extent?
A. commensalism
B. antagonism
C. mutualism
D. parasitism

A

C. mutualism

149
Q

Once the spinous process is exposed during a laminectomy, the NEXT instrument
needed for the removal of the lamina is a
A. Kerrison rongeur.
B. pituitary rongeur.
C. Freer elevator.
D. periosteal elevator.

A

A. Kerrison rongeur.

150
Q

Which of the following is true regarding surgical drapes that have been placed on
the patient?
A. They can be rearranged during the procedure if they begin to fall off the
patient.
B. If incorrectly placed, they can be lifted up and replaced properly.
C. They may not be moved once placed on the patient.
D. After placing a drape on the patient, it should be kept free from blood
throughout the procedure.

A

C. They may not be moved once placed on the patient.