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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Take the Free CST Practice Exam Now!

Ready for a CST practice test? Start the free sample test and ace your exam!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ivan LutsUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a surgical tech quiz on a teal background

This free CST practice exam helps you check your surgical tech skills on procedures, instruments, and sterile technique before the test. You'll see quick explanations to fix weak spots and build speed; for extra practice, try the warm‑up set and the follow‑up quiz .

Which method of gloving is recommended after donning a sterile gown for an open abdominal procedure?
No-touch gloving
Assisted gloving only
Open gloving
Closed gloving
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Which hemostatic agent is absorbable and commonly used as a gelatin sponge?
Epinephrine-soaked pledget
Thrombin spray only
Bone wax
Gelfoam
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The fire triad in the operating room consists of an oxidizer, an ignition source, and what other component?
Insulation
Grounding
Fuel
Water
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Which statement best describes DeBakey forceps?
Heavy, used for grasping bone
Atraumatic, used for delicate tissue handling
Self-retaining, used for retraction
Toothed, used for skin closure
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Which suction tip is preferred for evacuating large volumes of fluid in abdominal surgery?
Rosen suction tip
Frazier suction tip 10 Fr
Yankauer suction tip
Poole suction tip
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Which instrument is characterized by a ratcheted clamp with a tooth at the tip for grasping tough tissue?
Mosquito hemostat
Allis clamp
Kocher clamp
Babcock clamp
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Which microorganism is the standard biological indicator for monitoring steam sterilization cycles?
Staphylococcus aureus
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Bacillus atrophaeus
Clostridium difficile
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Which suture is most appropriate for closing a vascular anastomosis?
Silk braided
Polypropylene monofilament
Chromic gut
Polyglactin 910 braided
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According to AORN recommended practices, what is the typical sequence for the initial surgical count at the start of a procedure?
Sponges, instruments, dressings
Sponges, sharps, instruments
Instruments, sponges, sharps
Sharps, instruments, sponges
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Where should the electrosurgical dispersive electrode (grounding pad) be placed for optimal safety?
Over a bony prominence far from the operative site
On scar tissue near a joint
Over a well-perfused, muscular area close to the operative site
On an area with metal implants directly beneath
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Which large, table-mounted retractor system is frequently used during open abdominal procedures?
Hohmann retractor
Traverse retractor
Gelpi retractor
Bookwalter retractor
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Which needle type is most appropriate for anastomosing bowel?
Conventional cutting needle
Trocar-point needle
Taper point needle
Reverse cutting needle
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In a gravity displacement steam sterilization cycle, which set of parameters is appropriate for wrapped instruments?
100 C (212 F) at 20 psi for 10 minutes
132 C (270 F) at 15 psi for 3 minutes
121 C (250 F) at 15 psi for 30 minutes
140 C (284 F) at 30 psi for 5 minutes
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Which antiseptic is appropriate for prepping the ocular surface before ophthalmic surgery?
Iodophor detergent 10 percent
Chlorhexidine 4 percent
Povidone-iodine 5 percent aqueous
Alcohol 70 percent
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What is the correct immediate action if a count is incorrect and the item is not found?
Assume the item fell on the floor
Ask anesthesia to document and proceed without search
Continue closing; report after the case
Notify the surgeon, stop for a search, and obtain intraoperative imaging as directed
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Which sterilization approach is most appropriate for heat- and moisture-sensitive devices that require sterility?
Dry heat at 180 C for 5 minutes
Low-temperature methods such as hydrogen peroxide gas plasma
Gravity steam at 121 C for 10 minutes
High-level disinfection in alcohol
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Which situation is a contraindication to exsanguinating a limb with an Esmarch bandage before tourniquet inflation?
Forearm laceration repair
Arthroscopic knee meniscectomy
Suspected or known deep vein thrombosis
Elective carpal tunnel release
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What is the proper sequence for closing a contaminated abdominal incision to reduce SSI risk?
Irrigate and avoid any closure
Close skin tightly with staples immediately
Close deep layers, consider delayed primary skin closure or wound VAC per protocol
Leave fascia open and close skin only
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A countable radiopaque sponge is discovered missing after skin closure. What is the correct next step?
Document and ignore since the wound is closed
Assume it fell to the floor
Obtain postoperative imaging before patient leaves the OR and follow facility policy
Wait to see if the patient becomes symptomatic
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A perforated instrument tray may be placed flat on the shelf for sterilization to allow adequate steam penetration.
True
False
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Surgical Instruments -

    Master the names, functions, and proper handling of instruments commonly featured in the cst sample test to boost confidence during the real exam.

  2. Apply Sterile Technique Protocols -

    Demonstrate correct aseptic procedures and sterile field management as practiced in our free cst exam practice test scenarios.

  3. Analyze Operating Room Procedures -

    Break down OR workflows and sequence steps accurately, ensuring a clear understanding of surgical tech responsibilities.

  4. Develop Effective Test-Taking Strategies -

    Utilize time management and critical-thinking tips tailored for the cst practice exam to improve overall test performance.

  5. Interpret Sample Test Feedback -

    Review detailed explanations from the cst practice test results to identify strengths and target areas for further study.

  6. Reinforce Certification Readiness -

    Synthesize knowledge from the free cst practice exam to validate preparedness and reduce pre-exam anxiety.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Instrumentation Identification -

    Familiarity with common surgical instruments (forceps, clamps, scissors) is essential for the CST practice exam. Use the mnemonic "Grab, Clamp, Cut" to recall forceps, hemostats, and scissors in sequence. Refer to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) instrument catalog for high-quality images and descriptions.

  2. Sterile Technique Principles -

    Master the tenets of surgical asepsis by remembering the "1-Inch Rule," which states that any area within one inch of the sterile field's edge is considered contaminated. Practice proper gowning, gloving, and draping techniques as outlined by AORN standards. Visualize opening a sterile pack by slowly peeling back distal corners first to avoid accidental contamination.

  3. Surgical Counts & Documentation -

    Effective sponge, instrument, and sharps counts are critical to patient safety and CST exam success. Use the SIS mnemonic (Sponges, Instruments, Sharps) to ensure a systematic count before incision, closure, and skin suturing. Consult NBSTSA guidelines for recommended count procedures and documentation templates.

  4. Operating Room Safety & Environmental Controls -

    Understand OR airflow principles (positive pressure ventilation and laminar flow) and their role in minimizing infection risk. OSHA mandates proper handling of surgical smoke, sharps disposal, and chemical safety - review their published protocols. Real-world example: always keep the OR door closed during cases to maintain air pressure differentials.

  5. Anatomy & Pathophysiology of Common Procedures -

    Review layered anatomy for procedures like appendectomy or cholecystectomy using the mnemonic SSMMP (Skin, Subcutaneous, Muscle, Fascia, Peritoneum). Correlate pathophysiology - such as gallstone formation - with procedural steps to anticipate instrument needs. University surgical skills labs often provide 3D models to reinforce spatial relationships.

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