CRCST Practice Test Chapter 23

Last Updated on June 30, 2026

HSPA [Formerly IAHCSMM] CRCST Practice Test Chapter 23 – Questions and Answers. Technical skill isn’t enough. CS technicians succeed when they pair strong communication and human‑relations skills with professionalism, teamwork, and customer‑service habits that protect patients and support the OR.

Chapter 23: Success Through Effective Communication and Human Relations Skills.

What the chapter covers

Why communication matters: Clear, respectful communication (verbal + nonverbal) enables safe care, smoother workflows, and better relationships across departments, vendors, and shifts.
Professionalism: Traits/behaviors of a professional CS tech (pride in work, ethics, accountability, hygiene/dress, continuous improvement, respectful conduct).
Common communication barriers Include Vagueness, jargon, incomplete answers, and poor feedback loops—how they create errors and friction.

CRCST Practice Test Chapter 23 – Questions Answers

CRCST Practice Test Chapter 23 - Questions Answers

CRCST Practice Test
Chapter 23: Success Through Effective Communication and Human Relations Skills
Total Items: 30
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1) Why is effective communication important for Central Service (CS) technicians?

(A) It reduces the need for technical skills

(B) It ensures machines can be operated with minimal supervision

(D) It allows technicians to avoid human interactions altogether

2) Scenario (barrier—vague response): OR asks, “How long until the tray is ready?” A CS tech replies, “It’s in the sterilizer.” What’s the better communication approach?

(A) Repeat the same answer with a firmer tone

(B) Provide cycle stage/remaining time and expected availability, inviting questions

(D) Say you will email later when convenient

3) competing priorities: You are mid‑cycle on routine sets when a trauma case is added and OR needs a different tray urgently. What is the BEST action aligned with chapter guidance?

(A) Reprioritize based on immediate need and patient impact; communicate and adapt

(B) Continue current plan to avoid disrupting routines

(D) Finish documentation first, then address the request

4) Which statement best reflects how experience relates to job success in CS?

(A) Years on the job always equal high contribution

(B) Experience can foster entitlement and should be discounted

(D) Experience is valuable, but continuing education is critical; time served ≠ guaranteed effectiveness

5) A task group in the CS department is formed to write a new training job breakdown. Which description fits best?

(A) An informal group that meets during lunch

(B) A permanent formal group with an ongoing mandate

(D) A formal group created for a non‑routine activity that dissolves after completion

6) A CS technician notices another employee falsifying time records. What is the professional response?

(A) Ignore it because it’s “not my business”

(B) Tell other coworkers to create awareness

(D) Do the same to avoid being left out

7) Speaking—audience focus: Which practice best ensures your message is received accurately?

(A) Use advanced jargon to show expertise

(B) Concentrate on the listener’s background and choose understandable language

(D) Add unrelated examples to appear thorough

8) A new tech looks confused when told, “Check the biological on the loaners and get them to eight; TF moved to first.” What should you do?

(A) Repeat the statement more loudly

(B) Tell them to ask someone else

(D) All of the above

9) Which of the following is considered a barrier to effective communication?

(A) Asking specific and clear questions

(B) Using job-related jargon that a new employee might not understand

(D) Listening and giving feedback

10) What is the correct definition of “communication” in the CS workplace?

(A) Using complex terms to sound professional

(B) Interacting only with supervisors

(D) Avoiding body language during conversations

11) A supervisor explains a complex change in packaging steps; you aren’t sure you follow. What is the best response?

(A) Nod and figure it out later

(B) Ask, “Is this a problem?”

(D) Say, “I don’t really understand—can you say that another way?” and take notes

12) Which statement best distinguishes communication from human relations as used in the chapter?

(A) Communication is verbal only; human relations is written only

(B) Communication transmits information; human relations develops and maintains effective interpersonal relationships

(D) Communication is for staff; human relations is for patients only

13) In successful work groups, decisions that affect the whole group are best made by:

(A) A simple majority vote of members present

(B) The formal leader to ensure accountability

(D) A rotating pair of senior staff

14) Music is playing in Prep & Pack. The phone rings, and the caller asks you to repeat yourself. What policy‑based fix is most consistent with guidelines?

(A) Wear earbuds so only you hear it

(B) Increase volume so everyone hears the same track

(D) Move the speaker into the hallway for better sound

15) Decontam quickly cleans and Assembly packages efficiently, but sets sit waiting and aren’t loaded promptly into the sterilizer, delaying OR. What teamwork factor is most at issue?

(A) Trust—because no one should verify status

(B) Promptness—delays by one step affect the entire team and patient care

(D) Attitude—since only negative emotions cause delays

16) A hallmark of a successful group is that members contribute ideas without fear. Which practice MOST directly protects that characteristic?

(A) Public scoring of ideas to identify weak contributors

(B) Allowing subjective criticism to sharpen debate

(D) Letting the leader dominate to keep meetings efficient

17) What is one expectation a CS technician should have from their employer?

(A) Permission to skip training if experienced

(B) A safe work environment and clearly defined job description

(D) The ability to ignore team collaboration

18) Which example demonstrates ethical behavior by a CS technician?

(A) Respecting patient property and coworkers’ rights

(B) Covering for a coworker who arrives late

(D) Making fun of unfamiliar religious items

19) 9. Which of the following is a basic speaking principle in the workplace?

(A) Ramble to make your point more detailed

(B) Focus on impressing the listener

(D) Speak with enthusiasm and organize your main points

20) Which action aligns with policy and professionalism?

(A) Using facility email/phone per policy and protecting confidentiality at all times

(B) Texting tray photos (with patient labels visible) to your personal phone for speed

(D) Sharing OR updates via group chat without checking HIPAA concerns

21) Which statement about group leadership in successful teams is MOST accurate?

(A) The best leader dominates discussions to prevent delays

(B) Focus should be on what must be done, not who is in control

(D) Rotating dominance reduces conflict

22) Speaking—organizing your message: Which action best aligns with basic speaking skills?

(A) List every detail you know to avoid leaving anything out

(B) Speak off‑the‑cuff; enthusiasm will cover gaps

(D) Identify main points, organize them, and address each while speaking

23) Which behavior supports effective listening in a less‑than‑ideal environment?

(A) Mentally drafting your response while the speaker talks

(B) Focusing on the message, not the room’s discomforts or delivery quirks

(D) Listening only for key facts you already expect

24) instrument availability problem: OR staff report instruments are often unavailable when needed. What is the BEST approach per the chapter?

(A) Have OR investigate alone; the issue is likely not CS‑related

(B) Let the CS manager decide without outside input

(D) Form a cross‑functional team (OR, CS, and others) to address system causes

25) our CS team has clear goals and resources, but meetings often end with hurt feelings after disagreements. Which success characteristic is MOST lacking?

(A) Healthy disagreements that do not cause hard feelings

(B) Member participation in discussions

(D) Assignments made and accepted when action is needed

26) Which behavior demonstrates professionalism in a CS technician?

(A) Ignoring policies when busy

(B) Being curious and showing respect to coworkers

(D) Taking shortcuts to meet deadlines

27) What is a recommended listening skill for CS technicians?

(A) Multitask while someone is speaking

(B) Interrupt with your opinion frequently

(D) Think about your reply while the person is talking

28) What is “feedback” in the context of communication?

(A) Ignoring the speaker if you already know the topic

(B) Repeating the speaker’s words exactly

(D) Helping the speaker know the message was received correctly

29) “Coaching” in the CS department is best described as:

(A) A casual rumor that changes behavior

(B) Scheduled gossip to build team morale

(D) Positive reinforcement to encourage proper work behaviors and negative reinforcement to discourage inappropriate ones

30) Which statement best describes the grapevine in informal work groups?

(A) It is always harmful and must be eliminated

(B) It is always beneficial due to rapid information flow

(D) It is a formal channel managed by supervisors

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See also:

FREE CRCST Practice Test 2026 Official Study Guide 9th Edition