NBSTSA CST
The Certified Surgical Technologist exam from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. 175 questions, 150 of them scored, in four hours.
During a mitral valve repair, what does transesophageal echocardiography provide?
Right.
Not quite. The answer is A.
Transesophageal echocardiography places an ultrasound transducer, mounted on a flexible scope, in the esophagus directly behind the heart. During cardiac surgery it shows valve function, wall motion, chamber filling and air in the heart, and it can guide cannula placement. The surgeon may check a valve repair with TEE before closing.
Takeaway. TEE is ultrasound from the esophagus that shows the heart's chambers and valves during surgery.
In what order do sperm pass from where they are made toward the urethra?
Right.
Not quite. The answer is A.
Sperm develop in the seminiferous tubules and pass through small ducts into the epididymis, where they mature and are stored. The vas (ductus) deferens carries them up through the spermatic cord and inguinal canal into the pelvis, where it meets the seminal vesicle's duct; together they become the ejaculatory duct, which opens into the prostatic urethra. A vasectomy divides the vas deferens so sperm can no longer reach the ejaculate.
Takeaway. Sperm route: seminiferous tubules, epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct, urethra.
After knee surgery, the patient is asked to straighten the knee against resistance. Which muscle group does this test?
Right.
Not quite. The answer is A.
The quadriceps femoris is the large muscle on the front of the thigh. Its four heads, the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and vastus intermedius, join in the quadriceps tendon, which continues below the patella as the patellar ligament to insert on the tibial tuberosity. Contracting it extends the leg at the knee, and the rectus femoris, which also crosses the hip, helps flex the thigh. The hamstrings on the back of the thigh do the opposite at the knee, and rebuilding quadriceps strength is central to recovery after knee surgery.
Takeaway. The quadriceps femoris has four heads on the front of the thigh and extends the knee through the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity.
While cleaning the patient after surgery, the surgical technologist notices new redness over the sacrum. What is the correct action?
Right.
Not quite. The answer is A.
Skin is inspected before positioning and again after the drapes come off, and any new redness, blistering, burn or bruising is reported immediately. The circulating nurse assesses and documents it, and the surgeon is informed. Early reporting lets the receiving unit protect the area and lets the team look at how the patient was positioned and padded.
Takeaway. A new mark on the skin after surgery is reported and documented, never covered and forgotten.
Which instrument is this?
Right.
Not quite. The answer is D.
This is the L Hook Cautery. A monopolar electrosurgical instrument featuring an insulated cylindrical shaft with an L-shaped conductive tip.
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Every question, in sets as long as you like. The timed exam on the real clock. Your score by area, so you know what to fix before you walk in.
- 1,668 questions to practice, easy first
- The exam: 175 questions in 4:00:00
- Your score by area, weakest first