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TL;DR

Learn wound assessment, burn classification, and appropriate management techniques. Wound care requires understanding of healing physiology and is commonly tested.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-03

Free Hemostasis & Wound Closure Practice Questions

CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) · Intraoperative Procedures

This module covers Hemostasis & Wound Closure as part of the Intraoperative Procedures section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.

ExamCST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA)
Pass Rate72%
Duration240 minutes
ModuleHemostasis & Wound Closure

Why Hemostasis & Wound Closure matters

Hemostasis & Wound Closure is a core competency because proper technique directly impacts surgical outcomes and patient recovery.

Sample Practice Questions (5)

1. Which type of electrosurgery is MOST appropriate for coagulating a small bleeding vessel while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue?

  • Monopolar cutting current
  • Bipolar electrosurgery
  • Monopolar coagulation with a high-power setting
  • Argon beam coagulator on maximum setting

2. Bone wax is a hemostatic agent used primarily to control bleeding from:

  • Capillary beds in subcutaneous tissue
  • Cut bone surfaces such as the sternum
  • Large arterial vessels
  • Mucosal surfaces in the nasal cavity

3. Bone wax is a hemostatic agent used to control bleeding from:

  • Soft tissue and skin edges
  • Cut bone surfaces
  • Major arteries
  • Mucosal surfaces

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4. During a thyroidectomy, the surgeon ligates the superior thyroid artery and then notices arterial bleeding from a small branch near the superior laryngeal nerve. Which hemostatic approach poses the LEAST risk to the nerve?

  • Apply monopolar electrocautery directly to the bleeding vessel
  • Clamp the vessel with a fine hemostat, ligate with a silk tie, keeping dissection close to the artery
  • Apply a large hemoclip across the entire area to ensure hemostasis
  • Pack the area with multiple gauze sponges and wait for spontaneous hemostasis

5. The surgeon requests thrombin to achieve hemostasis on a diffuse oozing surface. The surgical technologist should prepare thrombin by:

  • Drawing it into a syringe for injection directly into the bleeding vessel
  • Reconstituting the powder with sterile saline and applying it topically with a Gelfoam sponge
  • Mixing it with bone wax and applying it to the bleeding surface
  • Heating it to body temperature before applying to the wound

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Hemostasis & Wound Closure questions are on the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA)?
The Intraoperative Procedures section, which includes Hemostasis & Wound Closure, typically represents a significant portion of the exam. Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorizing exact question counts, as the exam uses adaptive testing.
What is the best way to study Hemostasis & Wound Closure?
Use active recall and spaced repetition rather than passive reading. Practice with realistic exam questions, review explanations for both correct and incorrect answers, and focus on understanding the reasoning behind each concept.
What topics within Hemostasis & Wound Closure should I focus on most?
Focus on the concepts that appear in our practice questions and any areas where you consistently score below 70%. The adaptive practice mode will automatically target your weak areas for efficient study.