Surgical Tech Practice Exam 2026 - Free Surgical Tech Practice Questions and Study Guide – All Questions

Browse all practice questions for the Surgical Tech Practice Exam. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

Start practice test Flash cards

A Deep Dive into Postoperative Complications After Radical Neck DissectionWhich of the following is a serious postoperative complication of a radical neck dissection?Cavitation: The Unsung Hero of Surgical CleanlinessThe process of cavitation occurs in the __________.Choosing the Right Scissors for Surgical ProceduresThe surgeon requires long, angled scissors to extend the arteriotomy. Which instrument should the surgical technologist provide?Compartment Syndrome: Understanding the Hidden Emergency from Bone InjuriesWhich medical emergency may arise from swelling as a result of a broken bone?Discover the Essential Role of a Surgical TechnologistWhat is the primary role of a surgical technologist?Discovering the Essential Role of Taps in Surgical ProceduresWhat is the function of a tap in surgical procedures?Essential Instruments for Creating a Pneumoperitoneum in Surgical ProceduresWhat instrument is necessary to create a pneumoperitoneum?Essential Items for Post-Thyroidectomy Care in the Operating RoomWhat must always be available in the operating room after a thyroidectomy?Essential Steps for Instrument Decontamination in Surgical SettingsWhat is commonly added to sterile water before placing soiled instruments in a basin for decontamination?Essential Strategies for Minimizing Infections in the Surgical EnvironmentWhich of the following is essential for minimizing infections in the surgical environment?Exploring the Core Responsibilities of Surgical TechnologistsWhich of the following is typically NOT a responsibility of a surgical technologist?Handling Strike-Through Contamination in SurgeryIf strike-through contamination occurs through the top drape, what is the best way to handle the incident?Helping Preschool Kids Face Surgery: The Power of FamiliarityWhat intervention can help a pediatric preschool patient with a fear of the unknown before surgery?How Often Should Surgical Instruments Be Inspected for Damage?How often should surgical instruments be inspected for damage?How to Safely Handle Sharp Instruments in the Operating RoomHow should sharp instruments be handled in the operating room?Keeping Specimens Safe: The Role of Sterile Saline in SurgeryWhat is the specimen placed in prior to passing it off the surgical field?Mastering Fluid and Electrolyte Monitoring in Abdominal SurgeryWhich condition is crucial to monitor in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries?Mastering Hip Abduction in Total Hip Arthroplasty ProceduresDuring a total hip arthroplasty, the surgeon asks the surgical technologist to help abduct the hip. Which direction will the surgical technologist move the leg?Mastering Instrument Cleaning: The Role of Sterile-Water Soaked SpongesWhat item is typically used to remove gross soil from instruments in preparation for the decontamination process?Mastering Instrument Safety at the End of a Surgical CaseWhat is the recommended procedure for separating delicate instruments at the end of a surgical case?Mastering Spinal Surgery Instruments: Understanding the Pituitary RongeurWhat instrument is used to extract disc fragments from a herniated intervertebral disc?Mastering Sterilization Parameters for Surgical InstrumentsWhat parameters should be used for sterilizing a Frazier suction in a Gravity Displacement Steam Sterilizer for immediate use?Mastering Sterilization: The Babcock Clamp and Surgical Instrument CareAll removable parts should be removed from which instrument prior to sterilization?Mastering Sterilization: The High-Vacuum Sterilizer ExplainedWhich sterilizer is known for using steam to sterilize equipment?Mastering Sterilization: The Magic of Sterrad for Delicate InstrumentsWhat method is used for sterilizing delicate instruments with vaporized hydrogen peroxide?Mastering Surgical Gowning Techniques for SterilityWhen can the surgical gown be turned and tied using the unassisted gowning method?Mastering Surgical Hand Scrubs: Why 30 Strokes MatterDuring a counted surgical hand scrub, how many strokes are required on the fingernails?Mastering Surgical Sponge Counts: Essential Practices for SafetyWhat is the current standard of practice for an incorrect number of packaged surgical sponges that is counted once the patient has entered the operating room?Mastering Surgical Sterilization Techniques: The Path to Safe ProceduresWhat is a common method used for sterilizing surgical tools that ensures total microbial destruction?Mastering the 1-Inch Rule in Surgical TechniqueWhen performing opening gloving, how much of the outer edge of the wrapper is considered unsterile?Mastering the Art of Passing Suture on a Needle HolderWhat is the correct procedure when passing suture on a needle holder?Mastering the Essentials of Surgical Hand ScrubbingWhat is the first step of the surgical hand scrub?Mastering the Isolation Technique in Surgical SettingsWhat is the technique called when all instruments used on the bowel are placed in a separate basin after anastomosis?Mastering the Surgical Scrub for Optimal Patient SafetyWhat type of cleaning technique is primarily used during the surgical scrub process?Mastering the Surgical Scrub: Timing is EverythingWhat is the recommended time for a surgical scrub for most common antiseptic cleansers?Mastering the Tie-on-a-Passer: Essential Tool for Surgical TechnologistsWhat tool can a surgical technologist pass to assist the surgeon in clamping and suturing a vessel deep in the abdomen?Mastering the Tools: The Role of Potts Smith Scissors in Vascular SurgeryWhich scissors are specifically used to extend an incision made in an artery?Navigating Ureteral Surgery: The Essential Role of GuidewiresWhich item is commonly used for placing catheters and stents during ureteral surgery?Protecting Patients During Laser Surgery: What You Need to KnowWhat protective measure should be taken for patients undergoing surgery with lasers?The Critical Role of Wire Cutters in Surgical ProceduresWhat is the most critical function of wire cutters in surgical procedures?The Crucial Role of Bishop Harmon Forceps in Strabismus SurgeryWhich type of forceps is generally passed to the surgeon during a strabismus correction?The Crucial Role of Sterilization in Surgical ProceduresWhat is an important step to take prior to using a knife in a surgical procedure?The Crucial Role of Surgical Techs in Specimen Handling During SurgeryWhich team member is responsible for the care and transfer of the specimen in the intraoperative period?The Essential Duration for a Surgical Hand ScrubWhat is the generally recommended duration for a surgical hand scrub with common antiseptic cleansers?The Essential Role of a Circulator in Surgical ProceduresDuring a surgical procedure, which role does the circulator primarily perform?The Essential Role of Angled Potts Smith Scissors in Vascular SurgeryWhat type of scissors should be used to create a longer incision in a large vessel?The Essential Role of Stereotactic Equipment in Modern SurgeryWhat is the primary purpose of using stereotactic equipment in surgery?The Essential Role of Surgical Packaging in Maintaining SterilityWhat is the primary purpose of surgical packaging?The Essential Role of Suturing in Surgical ProceduresDuring which part of a surgical procedure is suture typically placed?The Essential Role of the Duval Clamp in Surgical ProceduresWhich instrument is used to clamp the lung?The Importance of Closed Chest Drainage Systems in Surgical SettingsWhat is the purpose of a closed chest drainage system?The Importance of Properly Segregating Sharp Instruments in SurgeryWhat is the proper procedure for segregating sharp instruments after a surgical case?The Importance of Rinsing Tissue Valves Before ImplantationWhat type of prosthetic valve requires rinsing to remove glutaraldehyde storage solution before insertion?The Magic of Scale Movements in Robotic SurgeryWhat feature of robotic-assisted surgery allows for precise surgical technique and reduces hand tremors?The Magic of Scaled Movement in Robotic-Assisted SurgeryWhich technique enables precise smaller movements in robotic-assisted surgery?The Power of Wristed Instruments in Robotic SurgeryWhat is the advantage of wristed instruments in robotic surgery?The Right Instrument for Septoplasty: Choosing the KerrisonWhich instrument is most appropriate for a surgeon extracting a piece of the nasal septum during a septoplasty?The Right Operating Table for Posterior Lumbar Laminectomy: Why the Jackson Table WinsWhich type of operating table is preferred for a posterior lumbar laminectomy?The Role of a Scrub Tech During SurgeryWhat is the main responsibility of the scrub tech during surgery?The Vital Role of Needle Holders in Surgical SuturingWhich instrument is commonly used for suturing?Understanding Absorbable Sutures Like VicrylWhich of the following types of suture is absorbable?Understanding Antiseptics and Their Role in Surgical PreparationWhat type of solution is found on the surgical scrub brush?Understanding Anxiolytics: The Calm Before the SurgeryWhat type of medication might an anesthesiologist prescribe to alleviate a patient's anxiety before a procedure?Understanding Aortic Aneurysms: What You Need to KnowWhat type of defect is being repaired when the surgeon addresses a weakness in the wall of the thoracic aorta?Understanding Arthroplasty: The Key to Joint ReliefWhat type of procedure involves replacing damaged or diseased joints?Understanding Aseptic Technique in Surgical PracticesWhat does "aseptic technique" refer to in surgery?Understanding Biological Indicators for SterilizationHow long must pass before the biological indicator can be read and recorded?Understanding Bipolar Handpieces: Why No Patient Return Electrode is NeededWhat piece of equipment does not require a patient return electrode?Understanding Common Post-Operative Complications You Should KnowWhich common post-operative complication should be monitored for?Understanding Defibrillators: The Lifesaving Device You Need to KnowWhat device is used to convert ineffective heart rhythm back into normal rhythm?Understanding Dyspnea: A Key Term for Surgical Tech StudentsWhich term best describes the symptom of difficulty breathing prior to anesthesia?Understanding General Anesthesia in Surgical ProceduresWhich type of anesthesia involves the patient being completely unconscious?Understanding High Vacuum Sterilizers in Surgical SettingsWhat type of sterilizer utilizes steam to effectively sterilize surgical instruments?Understanding How Medications Are Administered During SurgeryHow are medications typically administered during surgery?Understanding Hypothermia in Surgical Patients: Infection Risks and ManagementPatients who undergo gastrointestinal procedures are at high risk for which condition?Understanding Hysteroscopy: A Key Procedure for Uterine DefectsWhich procedure is performed to treat defects of the uterus by distending the uterine cavity continually?Understanding Infection as a Common Post-Surgical ComplicationWhat is a common complication to monitor for post-surgery?Understanding Informed Consent in Surgical ProceduresWhat does "informed consent" mean in a surgical context?Understanding Key Steps to Ensure Safety Before SurgeryWhat is an important step to ensure before any surgical procedure?Understanding laparoscopic surgery and its benefitsWhat does "laparoscopic" refer to in surgical procedures?Understanding Large Bone Instrument Trays: The Role of the Bennett InstrumentWhich of the following instruments would be included in a large bone instrument tray?Understanding Neutral Zones in Surgical EnvironmentsIn a surgical environment, what is an example of an acceptable neutral zone?Understanding Omnipaque: The Role of Contrast Media in Medical ImagingWhat category of drug does Omnipaque belong to?Understanding Patient Positioning in NeurosurgeryThe surgical team is positioning the patient for a craniotomy using the Mayfield headrest. What other device will also be needed for positioning with this headrest?Understanding Pediatric Needs Before Surgery: The Role of CaregiversWhat special needs does a pediatric infant (birth to 18 months) require before surgery?Understanding Retrograde Pyelography: A Key Procedure for Surgical Tech StudentsDuring a procedure involving contrast media for renal pelvis visualization, what is likely to be performed?Understanding Scaled Movement in Robotic SurgeryIn robotic-assisted surgery, which technology reduces the impact of hand tremors?Understanding Scaled Movement in Robotic-Assisted SurgeryWhat feature of robotic-assisted surgery allows for precise surgical techniques and eliminates hand tremors?Understanding Skin Prep Solutions for Eye ProceduresWhat is the only acceptable skin prep solution to use on or near the eye?Understanding Stains in Tissue ExaminationWhat type of medication is used to differentiate between normal and abnormal cells during tissue examination?Understanding Sterility in Surgical EnvironmentsWhat term describes the state of being free from all microorganisms, including spores?Understanding Sterrad: The Gentle Touch of SterilizationWhich method of sterilization employs vaporized hydrogen peroxide for delicate instruments?Understanding Surgical Clips: Your Key to Controlling Bleeding During SurgeryWhich item is typically used during surgery to control bleeding?Understanding Surgical Suffixes: What Does Ectomy Mean?Which suffix typically means excision?Understanding the Auvard Speculum: A Key Surgical InstrumentWhat category does an Auvard instrument fall under?Understanding the Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery Over Open SurgeryWhat is a major benefit of laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery?Understanding the Binomial System in Taxonomy: A Guide for Aspiring Surgical TechsWhich of the following is a classification system for naming an organism based on its genus and species?Understanding the Characteristics of Non-Absorbable SuturesWhich of the following is a characteristic of non-absorbable sutures?Understanding the Common Surgical Approaches for Gallbladder RemovalWhich surgical approach is commonly used for gallbladder removal?Understanding the Consequences of Poor Post-Operative CareWhat can be a consequence of improperly managed post-operative care?Understanding the Critical Importance of Safety in Surgical PracticeWhat is typically the most critical aspect of surgical practice?Understanding the Critical Role of a Scalpel in Surgical ProceduresWhat is the main use of a scalpel in surgical procedures?Understanding the Critical Role of Hemostats in Surgical ProceduresIn what scenario is a hemostat most critical?Understanding the CST Certification in Surgical TechnologyWhat does the acronym "CST" stand for in surgical technology?Understanding the Duval Clamp: A Vital Surgical ToolWhat is the primary use of a Duval clamp in surgery?Understanding the Essential Role of a Hemostat in SurgeryWhat is a hemostat primarily used for in surgical procedures?Understanding the Essentials of Post-Operative CareHow is post-operative care typically managed?Understanding the Heart Defibrillator: A Lifesaving DeviceWhat converts ineffective heart rhythm back into normal rhythm?Understanding the Importance of a Surgical Scrub in the O.R.What is the purpose of a surgical scrub?Understanding the Importance of Aseptic Technique During SurgeryWhat is the desired outcome of effective aseptic technique during surgery?Understanding the Importance of Conducting a Sponge Count in SurgeryWhat is the primary purpose of conducting a sponge count in surgery?Understanding the Importance of Distance in Sterile EnvironmentsHow far should the sterile scrub person maintain distance from unsterile items?Understanding the Importance of Infection Control in the Operating RoomThe organization of the operating room to prevent contamination is primarily guided by which principle?Understanding the Importance of Reaming Before Intramedullary Rod PlacementWhat surgical step must occur prior to placing an intramedullary rod?Understanding the Importance of Sterilizing Surgical Instruments Before ProceduresWhat must be done with surgical instruments before a procedure?Understanding the Importance of Surgical Drapes in the Operating RoomWhat is the primary function of a surgical drape?Understanding the Importance of Thread Count in Surgical WrapsA cloth wrapper must have a double layer of __________ threads per square inch.Understanding the Importance of Wire Cutters in PACU After Arch Bar PlacementWhat should accompany a patient to PACU after an arch bar placement?Understanding the Importance of Yankauer Suction in Surgical ProceduresWhat is a common type of suction device used in surgery?Understanding the Key Differences Between Sterile and Non-Sterile InstrumentsWhat is the main difference between sterile and non-sterile instruments?Understanding the Key Features of Laparoscopic SurgeryWhat characterizes laparoscopic surgery?Understanding the Key Goals of Preoperative Assessment in SurgeryWhat is the main goal of preoperative assessment in surgery?Understanding the Key Responsibilities of Surgical Technologists After SurgeryList one responsibility of the surgical technologist after the surgery is completed.Understanding the Meaning of Antegrade in Surgical ProceduresWhat does the term "antegrade" generally refer to in surgical procedures?Understanding the Midas Rex Drill in Surgical ProceduresA Midas Rex drill might be used in which of the following surgical procedures?Understanding the Resectoscope: A Key Tool in Prostate SurgeryWhat device fits over the hollow sheath of the cystourethroscope to resect prostate tissue?Understanding the Risks of Reusable Instruments in CJD CasesWhich instrument type is typically avoided in the presence of CJD?Understanding the Risks of Using Absorbable Sutures for Wound ClosureWhat is the primary concern when using absorbable sutures?Understanding the Role of a Coblator in Modern Surgical ProceduresWhat surgical procedure is most likely to utilize a coblator?Understanding the Role of a Fenestrated Drape in SurgeryWhat is a fenestrated drape used for?Understanding the Role of a Retractor in SurgeryWhat is the function of a retractor during surgery?Understanding the Role of a Tourniquet in Surgical ProceduresWhat is the purpose of using a tourniquet in surgery?Understanding the Role of an Internal Defibrillator in Cardiac SurgeriesWhich of the following is part of the routine sterile setup when the chest is open and the heart is exposed?Understanding the Role of Anesthesia in Surgical ProceduresIn the surgical field, what is the term "anesthesia" primarily associated with?Understanding the Role of Drains in Post-Operative CareWhat is the purpose of a drain in post-operative care?Understanding the Role of Endoscopic Surgery in Modern MedicineWhen discussing surgical approaches, which term is associated with using an existing body opening?Understanding the Role of Hand Controllers in Robot-Assisted SurgeryIn an RAS, where are the hand controllers located?Understanding the Role of Hemostasis in Surgical ProceduresIn the context of surgical instruments, what does 'hemostasis' refer to?Understanding the Role of High-Frequency Currents in ElectrosurgeryWhat kind of electrical currents does electrosurgery utilize?Understanding the Role of Lag Screws in Surgical ProceduresWhich screw is primarily used to compress bone fragments during surgical procedures?Understanding the Role of Metzenbaum Scissors in SurgeryWhich type of scissors is specifically designed for cutting tissue?Understanding the Role of Nonsterile Personnel in Surgical SettingsWhich staff member is responsible for "opening the case" during a surgical procedure?Understanding the Role of Retractors in Surgical ProceduresWhat is the function of retractors during surgery?Understanding the Role of Sterile Gauze Dressings in Post-Surgical Wound CareWhat type of dressing is commonly used for wound care after surgery?Understanding the Role of Surgical Drapes in Creating a Safe Sterile EnvironmentWhat is the purpose of a surgical drape?Understanding the Role of the Circulator in SurgeryWhich member of the surgical team is responsible for positioning the patient on the operating table?Understanding the Role of Topical Papaverine in Cardiac SurgeryWhich medication is utilized to prevent vasospasm of vessels during cardiac surgery?Understanding the Semi-Restricted Area in Surgical SettingsAccording to the design of the operating room, what area is designated for instrument storage, requiring scrub attire and head coverings?Understanding the Signs of Surgical InfectionWhat are the common signs of a surgical infection?Understanding the Surgical Step of ThreadingWhat surgical step refers to creating a path for screw placement in a drilled hole?Understanding the Surgical Technique for Aneurysm RepairWhat surgical action is associated with repairing an aneurysm?Understanding the Surgical Term for Organ Removal: Excision ExplainedWhich surgical term describes the removal of an organ or tissue?Understanding the term 'retrograde' in surgical terminologyIn surgical terminology, what does the term "retrograde" mean?Understanding the Three Phases of a Surgical ProcedureWhich of the following are the three phases of a surgical procedure?Understanding the Timing of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in SurgeryWhen is antibiotic prophylaxis generally administered?Understanding the Tools Designed for Cutting Tissue in SurgeryWhat type of instruments are specifically designed for cutting tissue?Understanding the Two Main Types of Surgical SuturesWhat are the two main types of surgical sutures?Understanding the Variety of Surgical Instruments Used in the Operating RoomWhat do surgical instruments include?Understanding the Vital Role of a Surgical TechnologistDuring surgery, what is the primary role of the surgical technologist?Understanding the Vital Role of IV Catheters in SurgeryWhat is the primary function of an intravenous (IV) catheter during surgery?Understanding the Vital Role of Surgical Gloves in the Operating RoomWhat role do surgical gloves play during a procedure?Understanding Tracheotomy: A Critical Surgical ProcedureWhat does the term "tracheotomy" refer to in surgical contexts?Understanding Ultrasonic Coagulation: An Essential Hemostasis MethodWhich hemostasis method uses vibrations to coagulate tissue without producing significant heat?Understanding What’s Not Included in Post-Operative CareWhich of the following is NOT a key component of post-operative care?Understanding When to Use a Heart DefibrillatorWhich condition may require the use of a heart defibrillator?Understanding Wound Management Techniques and Their Impact on SurgeryWhich surgeon is known for developing wound management techniques to prevent postoperative infections?Understanding Wristed Instruments in Robotic-Assisted SurgeryDuring a robotic-assisted hysterectomy, what type of instruments provide seven degrees of freedom of motion?What Instrument Helps Surgeons See the Abdominal Cavity?Which instrument is commonly used to visualize the abdominal cavity?What is Anastomosis and Why Does It Matter in Surgery?During a surgical operation, what does the term "anastomosis" refer to?What Surgical Teams Must Confirm Before Starting a ProcedureWhat must the surgical team confirm before initiating a procedure?What Surgical Technologists Need to Know about Operating Room GownsWhat type of gown should surgical technologists wear in the operating room?What Surgical Technologists Prioritize Before SurgeryWhat is the primary concern of surgical technologists before a surgical procedure?What to Do When the Sterile Field is Contaminated in SurgeryWhat should surgical technologists do if they contaminate the sterile field?What to Report Immediately in the Operating RoomWhich of the following should be reported immediately to the surgical team during a procedure?What You Need to Know About ElectrosurgeryWhat is the purpose of electrosurgery?Who’s the Key Player in the Surgical Room?Which medical professional is primarily responsible for performing the surgery?Why Communication is Key for Surgical Teams During ProceduresWhy is communication important among the surgical team during a procedure?Why Counting Surgical Instruments is Critical for Patient SafetyWhat must be done to instruments before surgery?Why Disposable Instruments Are Crucial in Surgeries Related to CJDCreutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD) requires what specific action regarding surgical instruments?Why Maintaining a Sterile Field is Crucial in SurgeryWhat is the purpose of maintaining a sterile field in surgery?Why Maintaining Aseptic Technique in Surgery is Essential for Patient SafetyWhat is the main purpose of maintaining aseptic technique during surgery?Why Maintaining Sterile Instruments is Critical in Surgical ProceduresIn surgical procedures, what is the significance of maintaining sterile instruments?Why Maintaining Sterile Technique is Key to Surgical SuccessWhat is essential to maintain during a surgical procedure to prevent postoperative infections?Why Pre-Operative Visits Matter for Pediatric PatientsWhat is the main purpose of using a pre-operative visit for patients, especially the pediatric population?Why Protecting Patients' Eyes in Laser Surgery MattersWhy is it important to protect patients' eyes during laser surgeries?Why Standard Precautions Matter in Surgical SettingsWhich guideline is implemented to minimize the spread of microorganisms among patients?Why Surgical Technologists Must Wear Full Protective GearWhat protective equipment should a surgical technologist wear during an operation?

More practice questions

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

What role does the anesthesiologist play in a surgical team?
What does "asepsis" refer to in surgical practice?
What is the difference between open and closed gloving techniques?
What is the role of the circulating nurse during a surgical procedure?
Which surgical position is typically used during abdominal surgeries?
What sterile items should the surgical team have readily available during a procedure?
What is the primary focus for surgical technologists during the procedure?
What is the role of a first assistant during surgery?

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy