NBSTSA Surgical Technology (ST) Practice Exam

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• In vascular surgery, what does the abbreviation AAA stand for?
• What is the inferior portion of the brainstem called?
• What is another name for the innominate artery?
• What medical procedure uses a dilator most effectively?
• What is a normal white blood cell count for a healthy adult?
• What condition defines the sensation of a rapid heart rate and is commonly symptomatic in anxiety disorders?
• Which of the following processes generates the most ATP?
• Which cellular organelle is primarily responsible for protein synthesis?
• Which structure in the brain is responsible for regulating balance and coordination?
• During a postictal state, what medical condition is a patient suffering from?
• What is the primary characteristic of ribose and deoxyribose?
• Which structure in the ear is primarily responsible for balance?
• Which structure has oral, nasal, and laryngeal divisions?
• An atom with 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 3 electrons has what atomic mass?
• Which instrument resembles a misshapen pancake spatula?
• What is the primary treatment for intraoperative ventricular arrhythmias?
• How many vertebrae are there in the normal adult spine?
• Which microorganisms are predominantly larger compared to the others?
• The teeth are primarily composed of which substance?
• Which term describes a solid formed from a liquid mixture during a chemical reaction?
• Which microorganisms are considered the smallest?
• The inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract is composed of what type of tissue?
• What does the drug Levophed primarily do?
• Monro, Sylvius, Magendie, and Luschka are types of what?
• What is the flow direction of blood through the circle of Willis starting from the internal carotid artery?
• Which ossicle of the middle ear covers the oval window?
• Which term describes the bony prominence of the elbow?
• Which process is least related to lactic acid production?
• In an AAA repair, what is done with the aneurysm sac?
• Which temperature and pressure combination is required for unwrapped sterilization of lumins?
• What role does mRNA play in protein synthesis?
• The islets of Langerhans are found in which organ and secrete what hormone?
• A blood pH of 7.5 indicates which of the following conditions?
• In which condition might a Van Buren sound be utilized?
• What type of antibiotic is commonly prescribed for respiratory infections and skin infections?
• What should be avoided when using carbon dioxide lasers in surgical practices?
• Which directional term refers to a position further away from the midline of the body?
• What is the main challenge faced when performing angioscopy?
• Which classification do rickettsiae and chlamydiae fall under?
• Which spinal structure allows for flexibility and support in the vertebral column?
• A #11 blade and Potts-Smith scissors are commonly used for which procedure?
• What is the primary action of narcotic analgesics such as demerol?
• Before draping for a cataract extraction procedure, how are the pupils dilated?
• A large bony process found on the femur is a/an:
• What common condition do tinea capitis, tinea barbae, and tinea pedis refer to?
• Which is an ossicle of the middle ear?
• Which element in stainless steel helps resist corrosion?
• What is the correct order of the layers of the meninges from anterior to posterior?
• What is the function of the ribosomes within the cell?
• Which surgical device uses vibrations to cut and coagulate tissue?
• Which instrument is primarily used for retracting lung tissue during surgical procedures?
• How long does thrombin maintain its potency?
• Fe2+ is formed when iron undergoes which of the following processes?
• In which fossa is the cerebellum located?
• Which of these drugs is classified as a miotic?
• Which collection of spinal nerves extends from the distal spinal cord around L-2 in adults?
• How many pounds are equivalent to one kilogram?
• Omnipaque is a contrast medium primarily used for which medical procedure?
• Which method can be used during surgery to accurately monitor a patient's temperature?
• Which of the following secretes hydrochloric acid?
• Which structure supports the eyeball and forms the lateral walls of the orbit?
• What is the burn degree classification that involves the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue?
• Beta blockers are primarily used to manage which of the following conditions?
• Javid and Argyle are examples of what type of device used in specific vascular procedures?
• Which of these microbes is least likely to be associated with wound infections?
• If an atom has 1 proton and 1 neutron, how is it classified?
• What occurs during telophase and cytokinesis?
• Where is a Baker's cyst located?
• Which anatomical structure encases the intervertebral disc material?
• Which bone articulates with the distal tibia?
• Which diagnostic study demonstrates a herniated disc causing spinal compression?
• What pathological term refers to the failure of the lower esophageal muscles to relax?
• What dietary substance enhances the production of collagen?
• Which type of tissue is primarily responsible for communication in the body?
• Which arteries are formed by the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta?
• What is the fibrocartilaginous ring of tissue surrounding the glenoid fossa?
• Which neurosurgical pathology would a myelogram be used to diagnose?
• Which dural fold separates the cerebrum from the cerebellum?
• What is found within a region called the trigone?
• Where are the enzymes for the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain located?
• What is the term for an atheroma within the lumen of an artery?
• What type of joint allows for the most movement?
• Which ligament maintains the position of the uterus?
• The spinal cord terminates at which structure in the human body?
• Which of the following statements describes the action of histamine (H2) blockers?
• Which microorganisms do not fit into the prokaryotic category?
• What is the primary function of LDL in the body?
• Which of the following accurately describes the ionization of salt (NaCl)?
• Which structure forms the lateral walls and floor of the bony orbit that houses the eyeball?
• Which cranial nerve is responsible for innervating the larynx and pharynx?
• In an isolated system, what are the AC power wires at the power outlets connected to?
• Which part of the skeleton consists of the spine?
• Where is the balloon dilator inserted during coronary artery angioplasty?
• Which professional is primarily responsible for maintaining sterile technique in the surgical environment?
• What does [H+] refer to in a chemical context?
• What condition is characterized by a fleshy encroachment of conjunctiva onto the cornea?
• Which method is commonly used to transport infants to the OR?
• What is the main role of the mesentery in the human body?
• Which of the following is a complication of a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy?
• Which bone articulates with the distal tibia and fibula?
• What type of bond connects amino acids together?
• The "saddle-shaped depression" in the sphenoid bone is known as?
• What is the pacemaker of the heart?
• Neurons that carry impulses toward the spinal cord and brain are known as what?
• The inner layer of an artery, vein, and lymphatic vessel is known as:
• What does "primum non nocere" translate to in medical ethics?
• Which anatomical landmark is formed by the openings of the ureters and urethra within the bladder?
• What medical term refers to the maturation process of the primary oocyte into a mature ovum?
• Which item should the CST confirm is available for nerve repair procedures?
• Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the fight or flight response?
• All of the following are components of the heart-lung machine except:
• What is Meperidine commonly known as?
• The space between the vocal cords is called the:
• What is the nuclear material of most bacterial cells?
• A kidney transplant is typically performed for which of the following conditions?
• What term is used to describe a loss of muscle tissue or mass?
• True or False: The medulla oblongata controls breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
• Which lipoprotein delivers cholesterol to nonhepatic tissues?
• What type of hematoma is characterized by a slow venous bleed?
• How is the acid-fast bacillus most often spread?
• Which instrument set is typically needed for a frontal sinus fracture repair?
• Which particle results from the dissociation of NaCl in a solution?
• What is the name of the condition when pus is not cleared from the pleural cavity?
• In what context is vasopressin typically utilized?
• The primary stabilizing ligament of the knee which is attached to the posterior lateral is the:
• What enzyme is used to soften the zonules of the lens before cataract surgery?
• What do Pb, plumbism, and plumber all have in common?
• What primary function does the vagus nerve perform in relation to heart and digestive functions?
• What type of bond is most relevant in the context of hydrogen ion concentration?
• What is the commonly used balloon embolectomy catheter?
• Which part of the cell is primarily responsible for ATP production?
• Irregularly shaped bones that form in the sutures of the skull are known as what?
• Lactic acidosis is most accurately described as developing in response to which of the following?
• What type of bones are vertebrae classified as?
• Aortic valve stenosis and aortic regurgitation are often a result of which condition?
• When would an anesthesiologist use a thermoregulatory device on a patient?
• What is the most common cause of an aortic aneurysm?
• Which of the following statements about atomic structure is true?
• When opening the instrument tray before scrubbing in, how far can the CST lift the lid above the instrument set?
• What nerve is at greatest risk during thyroidectomy?
• Where is the anterior chamber of the eye located?
• Which pathological condition causes damage to the mastoid air cells and ossicles of the ear?
• In the operating room, how can the CST help prevent medical errors?
• Which of the following lasers would be contraindicated for use in the posterior chamber of the eye?
• What does pulmonary empyema indicate?
• In which anatomical location would a dilator be least likely used?
• The American Hospital Formulary Service database primarily provides what type of information?
• What process describes the passive movement of particles without energy?
• Which of the following bilateral paired nerves innervates the buttocks and lower extremities?
• What type of drug preparation involves a combination of two liquids that cannot be mixed?
• What is the specimen typically collected in an AAA procedure?
• Which substance is described as a gel-like fluid inside the cell but outside the nucleus?
• Where do coronary arteries originate?
• What is epidural anesthesia primarily used for?
• Which artery is primarily responsible for supplying blood to the brain?
• Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for coordination and balance?
• What is true about capillary filtration pressure at the arterial end of the capillary?
• What does gluconeogenesis primarily convert during an insulin-deficient state?
• The thyroid gland consists of right and left lobes joined by the:
• Which of the following results most often from skull trauma over the middle meningeal artery?
• What color do gram-positive bacteria stain?
• Which physiological factor is assessed by the Apgar score immediately after birth?
• Which laser is commonly utilized for corneal reshaping in procedures like LASIK or PRK?
• Which organ is primarily responsible for detoxifying chemicals and metabolizing drugs?
• What procedure is recommended to deal with large seromas to prevent complications?
• What is the steam gravity sterilization cycle's temperature, pressure, and time?
• What is the congenital opening between the right and left atria that can occur in adults?
• The intraoperative and postoperative use of the Electronic Fetal Heart Monitor (EFM) is vital for preventing what?
• Which of the following is not a product of glycolysis?
• What type of pressure is responsible for reabsorption of fluids at the venous end of the capillary?
• Which organisms are classified as eukaryotic?
• Which part of the eye is primarily responsible for allowing light to enter?
• In a prevacuum sterilization of wrapped items, what is the required time?
• What is the condition characterized by the compression of the heart due to fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac?
• What is the only bone in the body that does not articulate with any other bone?
• During what phase of the cell cycle does the cytoplasmic division occur?
• What type of infection does puerperal fever represent, as described by Dr. Semmelweis?
• Which of the following describes a primary role of a CST in the OR?
• The electrical component of the heart that causes contraction of the ventricles is the:
• Which part of the spine is referred to as the "lumbar" section?
• What is the primary focus of aseptic technique in surgery?
• What condition may occur if the maxillary sinuses become inflamed?
• What does PPE stand for in the context of operating room practices?
• What is the primary function of the greater vestibular glands?
• What should be transported to the PACU with a patient who underwent a thyroidectomy?
• Which structure in the eye is responsible for receiving images?
• Prostigmin functions by increasing the levels of which neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction?
• What postoperative complication can result from excess or prolonged plantar flexion?
• Why is parenteral drug administration preferred in the operating room setting?
• Where does the small intestine begin?
• What must occur for an atom with one electron to become a cation?
• Which molecule is primarily produced during anaerobic respiration?
• What do the abbreviations OU, OD, and OS refer to in ophthalmology?
• What surgical procedure is typically used to treat symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia?
• What is the name of the tail-like distal fibers of the spinal cord?
• What is the formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
• What is the term for a virus that specifically infects bacterial cells?
• A brain tumor causing alteration of muscle tone, voluntary muscle coordination, gait, and balance would likely be found in which part of the brain?
• Which retractor is used with a proximal hook placed in the wound for weight suspension?
• Which anesthetic agent has a longer duration and lower toxicity, making it suitable for use in bier blocks?
• Which surgical approach is typically used for the repair of coarctation of the aorta?
• What process describes the movement of water across a capillary wall?
• Which type of arterial aneurysm is more likely to rupture due to being frequently undetected?
• Peripheral vessel angioplasty stents can be made from all of the following materials EXCEPT:
• Which of the following vessels arises from the right ventricle of the heart?
• Where is medication injected during a caudal block?
• What imaging technique is commonly used to evaluate the Circle of Willis for aneurysms?
• What is most descriptive of a precipitate formed during a chemical reaction?
• Which organelle contains digestive juices?
• What is the name of the instrument set used for anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion?
• Exophthalmos due to Graves' disease is associated with which gland?
• What distinguishes gram-positive bacteria from gram-negative bacteria in terms of staining?
• Which of the following is characteristic of glycolysis?
• How can the CST detect excessive CO2 levels during a malignant hyperthermia crisis?
• Which of the following is a characteristic of enzymes?
• Which type of hematoma results from torn bridging meningeal veins?
• What is the term for the motility of the intestines?
• What term describes the 126 bones that make up the upper and lower extremities?
• Afferent neurons are also known as what?
• For an incision and drainage of a seroma, which step is important for preventing infection?
• Which of the following is NOT an effect of peripheral vasodilators?
• Which diagnostic procedure is most useful for surgical planning in AAA repair?
• An -NH2 group and a -COOH group are characteristic of which molecular type?
• What initiates a cascade of lipid infiltration that leads to atherosclerosis?
• What anesthetic is required for administering a bier block during podiatry surgeries?
• What is the primary function of H2 blockers in a surgical context?
• What does 'sterilization' refer to in a surgical context?
• What condition is primarily treated by balloon angioplasty in the cardiac catheterization lab?
• Using an angioscope larger than the vessel's diameter will likely cause which of the following?
• What does the measurement of pH indicate?
• Which of the following bacteria is known to form spores?
• What is one of the consequences of inadequate sterilization due to air entrapment?
• In the reaction HCl → H+ + Cl−, what does HCl undergo?
• What is the most common cause of retinal detachment?
• What does the combining form labrynth/o refer to?
• What is considered the third stage of anesthesia?
• Which schedule of drugs is known for having a high potential for misuse?
• Which of the following structures is not found within the mediastinum?
• What temperature and pressure are required for steam gravity sterilization of lumins?
• What organism is used as a biological indicator (BI) in sterilization processes?
• What is the first step in the formation of an atheroma?
• What is the primary reason for the movement of water from the arterial end of the capillary?
• Which of the following is most descriptive of glycolysis?
• Which of the following medications can relieve pain without causing a loss of consciousness?
• What medical procedure involves cutting into an artery?
• Which of the following is least related to the aerobic metabolism of glucose?
• Which pathology may be treated by a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy procedure?
• Wilson, Andrews, and Hall frames are positioning devices used for which procedure?
• Which topical steroid is used to reduce inflammation after eye surgery?
• Which components make up the peripheral nervous system?
• Which muscle type is involuntary and found in the walls of internal organs?
• Which class of drug can be used for rapid muscle relaxation during anesthesia induction?
• Which type of tissue primarily makes up the lining of internal organs such as the stomach and intestines?
• The acromion process is a feature of which bone?
• What does the combining form pariet/o indicate?
• Which of the following structures is involved in both the respiratory and digestive systems?
• If a patient requests to see a member of the clergy upon their arrival to preoperative holding, what should the surgical team do?
• What type of solution leads to the crenation or shrinkage of submerged red blood cells?
• What does the term "aeger primo" emphasize in patient care?
• How are rickettsiae often transmitted?
• What is another name for Bartholin's glands?
• What condition is characterized by a blockage in the cerebrospinal fluid pathways?
• Which muscle flexes and supinates the forearm and covers the anterior portion of the upper arm?
• What effect does increasing hydrogen ion concentration have on pH?
• Which complication may occur if all parathyroid glands are removed?
• What device is used to measure intraventricular pressure?
• What are the rounded ends of the distal femur called?
• Which of the following pH levels would indicate acidosis?
• Which laser type is typically used for retinal photocoagulation procedures?
• What obstetric complication results from an overstimulation of the clotting process?
• Which stage is considered the most crucial in Maslow's hierarchy of needs?
• What is a key characteristic of carbon dioxide lasers in relation to tissue penetration?
• Which type of joint allows for the greatest range of motion?
• Which short-acting narcotic opioid is used intramuscularly for preoperative sedation?
• Which type of blood vessels is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and metabolic waste?
• Which of the following are considered neurotransmitters?
• Which prescription database provides comprehensive information about medications?
• Testosterone is secreted by which type of cells?
• The common bile and pancreatic ducts empty into which anatomical structure?
• Which artery is the first major branch off the aortic arch?
• The cup-like extensions of the renal pelvis that collect urine from the pyramids are called:
• Which rapid onset muscle relaxant is commonly used during intubation?
• What term describes a disease that regularly occurs within a specific area or community?
• What are the key roles of capillaries in the circulatory system?
• What can be said about the pH of urine?
• Which elements primarily make up the body's mass?
• Where is the primary site of nutrient absorption in the digestive system?
• How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in total?
• Which bacteria is used as a biological indicator in steam sterilization?
• The set of teeth that erupt at 6 months of age and are later replaced are the:
• Which condition is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the aortic valve?
• Lesions in which part of the brain may affect balance and coordination?
• Which of the following is known as the acid-fast bacillus?
• What is the next step after suturing a graft over the arteriotomy in a carotid endarterectomy?
• What term refers to an abnormal thoracic curve of the spine known as "hunchback"?
• Which type of laser can be used safely on both light and dark tissues?
• The total number of vertebrae in the adult is:
• How is a patient's electrolyte balance typically assessed?
• What drug classification does demerol belong to?
• In which quadrant of the abdomen is the appendix located?
• What type of nerve control is classified as the autonomic nervous system?
• Which is the only depolarizing muscle relaxant currently in clinical use?
• What is the average normal respiration rate for children?
• Which group of organisms includes single-cell, animal-like microbes such as amebas?
• What is the terminology for the area surrounding the pituitary gland?
• During which phase do the first gap phase (G1) and second gap phase (G2) occur?
• Which of the following responses is not typical during an early sign of malignant hyperthermia?
• What is the primary function of the Leydig cells in the male reproductive system?
• What is the primary role of a biological indicator in sterilization?
• Which statement regarding dietary cellulose is true?
• Ectoparasites are most likely to cause what type of symptoms?
• Which symptom is an early warning sign of malignant hyperthermia?
• Which statement correctly differentiates prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
• Amebic dysentery and giardiasis are caused by which type of pathogen?
• What type of bones are known to form within tendons?
• Which of the following nerves innervate the breast?
• For an adult male patient, how far should a catheter be inserted?
• What type of infection does the term "nosocomial" refer to?
• Which drug is commonly used to reverse the effects of muscle relaxants?
• The left coronary artery divides into which two arteries?
• Why should anesthetized patients be moved slowly?
• What is the mechanism of action of epinephrine when treating cardiac arrest?
• In relation to spinal procedures, what condition can myelograms help diagnose?
• While open gloving, what perimeter of the wrapper is considered non-sterile?
• What does the principle "res ipsa loquitar" imply in surgical practice?
• What is the circle of Willis primarily known for?
• What does the suffix -trophy refer to?
• Which paired sinuses are the largest sinuses located below the ocular orbits?
• What is the term for the end of a long bone?
• Which drug is NOT considered a peripheral vasodilator?
• What emergency drug is administered to stabilize ventricular fibrillation in the operating room?
• Which type of suture material is most commonly used for internal organs?
• The vertebral artery arises directly from which of the following?
• The small intestine is attached to the posterior abdominal wall by which structure?
• Which of the following is a common complication following a strep throat infection?
• Which of the following muscles is not a component of the rotator cuff of the shoulder?
• From where do most intracranial aneurysms arise?
• What is the result of hydrogen participating in chemical reactions in water?
• What primarily determines the type of surgical laser?
• What is the purpose of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)?
• What gas is a by-product of aerobic respiration?
• Which of the following statements is least descriptive of a vector?
• What molecule carries individual amino acids from the cytoplasm to the ribosome for protein assembly?
• Which of the following organisms is classified as prokaryotic?
• What is the meaning of "aeger primo" in a medical context?
• In a prevacuum unwrapped sterilization process, what is the time required for items without lumin?
• What classification do cephalosporins fall under?
• Which specialty would most commonly manage conditions involving the endocrine glands?
• What procedure checks for air entrapment within a sterilizer's chamber?
• During digestion, where does the pancreatic duct empty?
• Which statement best describes the nucleus of an atom?
• Which is a method of bacterial survival under unfavorable environmental conditions?
• What are the operative mortality rates for patients with unruptured AAA undergoing elective repair?
• Which term refers to an abnormal increase in the number of cells?
• Which drug is indicated for treating hypotension and shock?
• Which characteristic is true of clostridium tetani and clostridium difficile?
• Which portion of the ear is affected by Meniere's syndrome?
• What is the name of the device used for patients unable to be weaned off of cardiopulmonary bypass?
• What is a major disadvantage of a radial fetal monitoring system?
• Which process would you use to sterilize an item with a lumen unwrapped?
• Which substance is produced during anaerobic respiration?
• Which laboratory test is typically used to assess kidney function?
• What blood pH indicates a normal level?
• Which of the following is classified as a tetracycline antibiotic?
• What is the main purpose of using Omnipaque in medical imaging?
• Which preoperative diagnostic test is particularly useful in diabetic patients with small vessel arterial disease?
• In a graft procedure to revascularize the heart muscle, which vessels might be anastomosed?
• Which portion of the small intestine is visualized during an ERCP procedure?
• Which system is responsible for preventing the growth of virulent pathogens?
• Which nerve can be damaged during lung decortication affecting diaphragm function?
• What is the glenoid labrum associated with?
• How far beyond the atherosclerotic lesion should a balloon in angioplasty typically reach?
• Which of the following is responsible for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
• A congenital defect in which the fetal blood vessel between the pulmonary artery and aorta does not close is called?
• Thought process takes place in which part of the brain?
• Hepatic encephalopathy can be caused by increasing blood levels of which compound?
• True or False: The lumens of veins are larger than the lumens of arteries.