TL;DR
Study the assessment and management of abdominal and gastrointestinal emergencies. GI emergencies require systematic evaluation and are commonly tested on the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA).
Free Surgical Instruments by Specialty Practice Questions
CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) · Intraoperative Procedures
This module covers Surgical Instruments by Specialty as part of the Intraoperative Procedures section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) |
| Pass Rate | 72% |
| Duration | 240 minutes |
| Module | Surgical Instruments by Specialty |
Why Surgical Instruments by Specialty matters
Surgical Instruments by Specialty is a core competency because proper technique directly impacts surgical outcomes and patient recovery.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. A surgeon performing a posterior spinal fusion requests a Cobb elevator, a Leksell rongeur, and a Kerrison rongeur in sequence. What is the MOST likely step being performed?
- Inserting pedicle screws into the vertebral bodies
- Performing a laminectomy to decompress the spinal canal
- Harvesting iliac crest bone graft for fusion
- Placing the spinal rod and tightening set screws
2. During a laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon encounters dense adhesions and converts to an open approach. The surgical technologist must quickly set up an open instrument tray. Which sequence demonstrates the BEST prioritization?
- Arrange all instruments alphabetically on the Mayo stand for easy identification
- Place retractors, hemostats, and dissecting instruments first; organize cutting instruments and specialty clamps as exposure is achieved
- Unwrap the entire tray and count all instruments before allowing the surgeon to begin
- Hand individual instruments to the surgeon as requested without organizing the Mayo stand
3. A Heaney clamp is a specialty instrument most commonly associated with which surgical specialty?
- Neurosurgery
- Gynecology
- Orthopedics
- Urology
Want more practice like this?
Start practicing free →4. Which of the following instruments would be found on a basic orthopedic instrument tray but NOT on a general surgery soft tissue tray?
- Metzenbaum scissors
- Periosteal elevator
- Mayo scissors
- Adson tissue forceps
5. During an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon asks for a clamp to occlude the cystic duct before ligation. Which instrument is MOST appropriate?
- Kocher clamp
- Right-angle (Mixter) clamp
- Allis clamp
- Babcock clamp
Ready to practice for the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA)?
Adaptive practice powered by Item Response Theory targets your weak areas. Start with 3 free sessions.
Start free practice →