NBSTSA Practice Test 2025 Free CST and CSFA Exam Prep

Last Updated on February 10, 2025

NBSTSA Practice Test 2025: CST and CSFA Exam Prep – Enhance your preparation for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) exams with our free downloadable PDF quiz and study guide. Administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), these self-assessment examinations are crucial for certification.

Download our CST and CSFA practice tests or participate in our interactive online quiz to test your knowledge and readiness for the official exams.

Please note that while we provide these resources to assist with your NBSTSA test prep, we do not endorse or recommend any specific study classes, seminars, published materials, practice examinations, or apps, including those offered by us. The information provided is intended solely to support your exam preparation.

NBSTSA Practice Test 2025

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the national certification exam and credential. It administers the exams and issues certification for CSTs and CSFAs.

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CSFA Exam Quiz

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1) When positioning the patient’s arm on an arm board, avoid:

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2) A substance used to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microbes that is used on living tissue is a(n):

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3) During this type of procedure, an endoscope is used to view a knee or a shoulder joint:

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4) Where in the operating room is the anesthesia machine set up in relation to the operating room table and the patient?

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5) The pear-shaped sac about 3 to 4 inches long that stores and concentrates bile is the:

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6) All methods of sterilization require three elements. They are:

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7) Epinephrine is combined with local anesthetic agents in each of the following concentrations EXCEPT:

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8) The basic structural unit of biological organization is the:

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9) The end-product of the breakdown of amino acids is:

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10) Which phase of general anesthesia includes administration of anesthetic agents?

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11) A lumpectomy performed for a cancerous breast tumor consists of:

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12) Which dressing is used on a wound with primary closure and has little or no drainage?

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13) The procedure that treats sinusitis or removes recurrent polyps in the maxillary sinus is called:

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14) During the cleaning process, instruments are sorted and sharp instrument tips are:

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15) The condition caused by excessive secretion from the adrenal cortex, resulting in puffy skin, obesity, a moon-shaped face, a buffalo hump, and masculine changes in women, is known as:

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16) The space along the nerve fiber where no myelin sheath is present is known as:

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17) Hoods and caps are types of:

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18) Which group of medications is given to relieve a patient’s preoperative anxiety?

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19) The department that troubleshoots potential hazards and develops an action plan in a healthcare facility is the:

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20) The term that is defined as the farthest from the point of origin is:

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21) What does the period called “Time Out” verify?

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22) Who can sign a consent form for an emergency procedure on a child if a parent cannot be located?

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23) A poisonous substance made by certain Gram-positive bacteria such as staphylococci is called:

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24) Which of the following are sedatives?

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25) Microorganisms that are facultative aerobes:

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26) The abbreviation t.i.d. represents:

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27) An expected but unintended effect of a drug is termed a(n) _____effect:

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28) If a patient is wearing nail polish, what will not function properly?

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29) In a gravity displacement sterilizer, the pressure is:

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30) The strongest portion of the hip bone, which bears the weight of the body in the sitting position, is known as the:

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31) _____must never be removed from the room until after the final count:

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32) A dressing that draws fluids from the wound and allows for the passage of air is:

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33) The spore-forming bacillus that produces tetanus is called:

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34) Which of the following groups of medications causes elimination of excess fluid by preventing reabsorption of sodium and water?

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35) The curved Mayo scissor is used to cut:

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36) A chemical agent used to kill most microbes, including spores, that is used only on inanimate objects is a(n):

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37) Which of the following diseases is not caused by a virus?

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38) What term describes the loss of heat from a patient’s body into the environment?

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39) Who is responsible for casting a fractured extremity?

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40) The artery located in the upper arm is the:

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41) Which part of the surgical gown is not sterile?

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42) A mass of dilated and tortuous veins in the anorectum is known as:

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43) Excessive secretion of growth hormones in adults causes:

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44) An example of an angled suction tip with a thumbhole that allows for variability in suction strength is:

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45) Oxytocin is available under which trade name?

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46) A tube 10 inches long that allows the bolus to reach the stomach is called the:

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47) The formation of the female sex cells, or eggs, is called:

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48) What protective item(s) can be worn to shield the body when exposed to x-ray beams?

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49) The hormone that stimulates ovarian follicle growth and estrogen secretion is:

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50) Palms up is referred to as:

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51) The self-retaining retractor that can be sharp or blunt is a:

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52) The folds of the mucosa of the small intestine, which increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients, are called:

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53) Which of the following viruses causes herpes?

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54) The principal vein draining blood from the upper portion of the body that empties into the right atrium of the heart is called the:

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55) The procedure performed to remove the prepuce is called:

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56) Gram-negative bacteria have a:

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57) When patient skin prep or urinary catheterization is being done, which method of donning gloves is used?

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58) A measuring device used during surgical procedures is a:

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59) Before taking instruments down to decontamination, what actions should be taken?

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60) The trachea is also known as the:

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61) If a piece of equipment breaks, which department is called to fix it?

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62) Sterile individuals and items may have:

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63) While moving the patient into the Trendelenburg position, the CST must:

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64) Which of the following bacteria cause toxic shock?

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65) The term for moving toward the midline is:

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66) Which set of laws was passed in 1970?

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67) Cells that are derived from activated T and B lymphocytes produced during an initial immune response that can quickly recognize a foreign antigen are known as:

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68) The term “tie on a pass” means:

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69) The incision made for an open cholecystectomy is located in the:

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70) Direct patient care is provided by the:

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71) The patient should be protected during laser surgery with:

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72) What percentage of all surgical patients can be affected by hypothermia?

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73) Which of the following is not true about viruses?

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74) The first menstrual period is called:

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75) The laser of choice for gastrointestinal endoscopy is the:

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76) Veins draining the lower parts of the body merge into a larger vein that transports blood to the right atrium of the heart; this principal vein is called the:

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77) Relative deficiency of oxygen supply to the heart muscle that causes a sensation of pain and numbness in the left arm and shoulder is known as:

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78) If a patient has been experiencing excessive uterine bleeding, her preoperative diagnosis is:

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79) Who is responsible for verifying medication on the sterile field?

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80) The division process in cells that reduces the chromosome number by half is:

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81) Which of the following microorganisms cause Lyme’s disease, typhus, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever?

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82) Pressure sores are most likely to occur on a patient’s:

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83) All of the following are duties performed by the CST during the preoperative case management phase EXCEPT:

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84) The decontamination process starts with:

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85) What should be worn in a restricted area?

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86) The removal of the entire uterus, including the cervix, is called:

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87) Who activates the generator for an electrosurgical unit (ESU)?

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88) Which device delivers electrical current to the surgical site?

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89) Which of the following types of diuretics are prescribed in the treatment of glaucoma?

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90) A perforated viscera is classified as a:

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91) If the surgeon decides to suture the peritoneum, the suture that is frequently utilized is:

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92) Glands that have ducts that lead the secreted material away from the gland to the surface of a passageway or the skin and also secrete hormones are known as:

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93) Malleable, wire-like instruments used to explore fistulas or ducts are called:

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94) Standard precautions apply to:

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95) A Potts scissor is used for:

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96) The closed glove technique is used:

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97) Which of the following glands is called the “master gland”?

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98) Who is responsible for discharging a patient from PACU?

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99) The key to teamwork in an operating room is:

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100) What happens to the patient’s skin if the prep solution is left on?

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101) The excessive loss of water caused by bouts of diarrhea can lead to a serious condition known as:

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102) After the scrub is complete, it is necessary to:

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103) Hepatitis E is of special concern to:

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104) The outermost layer of the tissue surrounding the kidneys that anchors the kidneys to their surrounding structures and to the abdominal wall is known as the:

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105) The enzyme produced by the kidneys that helps regulate blood pressure is:

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106) Critical items are processed to this state for subsequent use on a patient:

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107) Which of the following is a common nosocomial infection?

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108) Eight is what percent of 20?

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109) Complete destruction of all living organisms is termed:

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110) The mitral valve is also known as the:

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111) Before transferring a patient from the operating room table to the stretcher, what needs to happen?

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112) The paranasal sinuses that are located below the eyes and lateral to the nasal cavity are called:

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113) Syphilis is caused by:

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114) The portion of the tooth above the level of the gums that consists of dentin covered by enamel is the:

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115) During a mini–tubal ligation, the Babcock clamp is used to grasp the:

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116) What are the five phases of general anesthesia in correct sequence?

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117) In which order are supplies counted for every procedure?

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118) How long after a tourniquet has been inflated does a CST need to notify the surgeon?

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119) Excision of a cone of tissue from the mucous membrane of the cervix is termed:

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120) Latex gloves should not be worn:

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121) Which of the following is in the restricted area?

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122) What does the surgical team wear during extremely high-risk procedures on infected patients?

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123) Which method of anesthesia is likely to be used for a 51-year-old intoxicated man for a closed reduction and cast application of a fractured forearm?

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124) An exploratory laparotomy is performed to:

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125) Whooping cough is also known as:

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126) What is a normal range of coagulation time?

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127) The hormone secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas that stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose when blood glucose levels are extremely low is:

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128) Most of the bacteria that cause human disease exist in a pH range of:

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129) Rongeurs are used for:

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130) The following are important goals when positioning a patient except:

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131) The most commonly used sponges employed during surgery are:

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132) The stage of a disease characterized by the earliest, nonspecific symptoms and the appearance of a headache or malaise is called the:

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133) The acronym TURP means:

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134) The portion of the needle where the suture strand is attached is called the:

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135) Which of the following has inactive or hidden stages?

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136) Bacterial spores are resistant to:

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137) A condition caused by the protrusion of a portion of the stomach through the opening in the diaphragm is known as a(an):

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138) Instruments processed in a Steris are considered sterile after storage for:

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139) Nonsterile items and individuals may:

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140) Cheiloplasty is:

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141) Nails, rods, and plates are used to correct:

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142) All of the following are surgical procedures performed on the uterus EXCEPT:

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143) Diabetes mellitus results from inadequate production or use of the hormone:

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144) When should terminal cleaning be done?

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145) An isolation or retracting device used for vessels, ducts, or nerves is called:

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146) Which of the following is associated with syphilis?

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147) Which of the following fractions is the result of dividing 1/24 by 1/6?

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148) Inflammation of the pelvis of the kidneys is known as:

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149) When should the surgical drapes be removed?

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150) When a CST scrubs for a prescribed length of time, what is the method for the surgical scrub called?

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151) The needle used to instill CO2 gas is a:

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152) Resident microorganisms that are located on the skin are reduced by:

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153) An oscillating saw moves in a:

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154) If a thoracic procedure requires a median sternotomy, what instruments are required?

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155) The cellular process of reading the code and bringing the appropriate amino acids in sequence along the mRNA to form a protein is known as:

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156) Epinephrine is combined with local anesthetics to:

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157) A Deaver and a Richardson are types of ______ instruments.

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158) The organ located directly above the stomach is the:

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159) The _____laser is the most commonly used laser in the operating room:

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160) Stimuli, such as stretching the peritoneum or retracting the eye muscles, cause which of the following physiological reactions?

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161) Where do sharps go after surgery?

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162) A uterine sound and Kevorkian curette are found on which type of instrument tray?

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163) The tenth, eleventh, and twelfth ribs protect this organ:

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164) What should be done first when creating the sterile field?

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165) Urine is expelled from the body by a process called:

Four-Year Certification Cycle — CSTs : Certified Surgical Technologist® (CST) must earn 60 CE credits before the four-year cycle expires to renew the credential.

Four-Year Certification Cycle—CSFAs: To renew the credential, a Certified Surgical First Assistant® (CSFA) must earn 75 CE credits before the four-year cycle expires.

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CST Exam Test 2025

The CST examination content is based on tasks performed by CSTs nationwide. Job analysis surveys are conducted to identify specific tasks related to the frequency and importance of Surgical Technologists nationwide.

 CST Examination content areas you will need to review the most

The job analysis results are used to develop the content outline for the examination, which is evaluated on a prescribed schedule to ensure that the overall examination content reflects current surgical technology practices. Read More Official CST Candidate Handbook

CST Stands for Certification of Surgical Technologists
Administered by NBSTSA
Accredited By The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
Purpose Certified individuals possess a mastery of a broad range of skills related to surgical procedures, aseptic technique, and patient care.
Total number of questions in CST exam The CST examination consists of 175 questions, 150 of which are scored. The 25 pretest items (unscored).
Examination duration four (4) hours
Passing score a minimum of 120 questions out of 150 must be answered correctly.
FEES •AST/ASA Member $299 and All others $399
Mode of Payment Money Order,  Personal Check, Institutional Check, Visa, Master Card, Discover
Eligibility Graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited Surgical
Technology Program.
OR
Graduates of a military training surgical technology program
Retesting Limit You are limited to taking three (3) examinations. There is no waiting period before you may apply for a re-test.

CSFA Exam Test 2025

The content of the examination is based on tasks performed by CSFAs nationwide. A job analysis survey was conducted to identify specific tasks related to the frequency and importance of Surgical First Assistants nationwide. The job analysis results were used to develop the content outline for the examination and evaluated on a prescribed schedule to ensure that the overall examination content reflects current surgical first assistant practice. Read more about the Official CSFA Candidate Handbook.

CSFA Stands for Certified Surgical First Assistant
Administered by NBSTSA
Accredited By The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)
Purpose Certified individuals master a wide range of skills related to surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and patient care.
Total number of questions in CST exam The CST examination consists of 175 questions, 150 of which are scored. The 25 pretest items (unscored).
Examination duration four (4) hours
Passing score a minimum of 120 questions out of 150 must be answered correctly.
FEES •AST/ASA Member $299 and All others $399
Mode of Payment Money Order,  Personal Check, Institutional Check, Visa, Master Card, Discover
Eligibility  Graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical First Assistant program
Retesting Limit You are limited to taking three (3) examinations. There is no waiting period before you may apply for a re-test.

CST, CSFA and CST/CSFA are federally registered trademarks and service marks owned by the NBSTSA.

NBSTSA Study Guide

1. Learn about the examination by reviewing your candidate handbook: This candidate handbook contains a content area outline, recommended reference list, and sample questions.

2. Examination content area outline: Familiarize yourself with each subject listed in the outline – all of these items may appear on the examination.

3. Recommended reference list: These references created the examination questions. Cross-reference the content outline with these materials.

4. Practice: The NBSTSA offers Practice Examinations online at nbstsa.org. Candidates can print this to continue to study and will
receive an analysis of individual questions and overall performance.

5. Evaluate: Complete the Examination Study Evaluation on nbstsa.org to find out what areas of the examination you need to focus your
study attention.

6. Connect: Like us on Facebook, connect with other candidates and CSFAs, and find out what did and didn’t work for them when taking
the examination. Find people in your area and create a study group!

NBSTSA Reference Book

The Certification Examination Reference Lists contain the texts used to develop the questions for the certification examinations. When creating examination questions, the NBSTSA CST and CSFA Examination Review Committee use the most current edition of each text listed for reference.

New editions of each text may be published after the Candidate Handbook is printed. Candidates must be sure they utilize the most recent edition of each text. Candidates may find the texts at libraries, bookstores, or online.

MISC/INSTRUMENTATION

  • The Ethicon Knot Tying Manual PDF
  • AST Guidelines for Best Practices in Surgical Technology 
  • American Heart Association – CPR Guidelines www.heart.org
  • Surgical Instrumentation: 2018, 3rd Edition – Nemitz ISBN# 9780323523707
  • Taber’s Cyclopedia Medical Dictionary, 2017, 23rd Edition, F.A. Davis ISBN# 9780803659049

SURGERY

  • Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery,
    2022, 17th Edition, Jane C. Rothrock,
    ISBN# 9780323776806
  • Kirk’s Basic Surgical Techniques, 2024, 8th
    Edition, Fiona Myint,
    ISBN# 9780443113673
  • Berry & Kohn’s Operating Room Technique,
    2024, 15th Edition, Hornacky & Phillips,
    ISBN# 9780443105234
  • Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery, 11th Edition,
    Brunicardi,
    ISBN# 9781259835353
  •  Surgical Technology: Principles and Practice,
    2021, 8th Edition, Joanna Kotcher,
    ISBN# 9780323680189

A&P

  • Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 2020,
    16th Edition, Tortora & Derrickson,
    ISBN# 9781119662792

PHARMACOLOGY

  • Pharmacology for the Surgical Technologist,
    2023, 6th Edition, Howe & Burton,
    ISBN# 9780443109096

REFERENCE

  • Taber’s Cyclopedia Medical Dictionary, 2021,
    24th Edition, Venes,
    ISBN# 9781719642859