TheorySurgical Tech CST Study Guide
Study for the Surgical Tech CST with exam topics, practice questions, a free PDF, video walkthrough and timed mock exam links.
How to study for Surgical Tech CST
- Read the topic list so you know what the exam is likely to cover.
- Answer the free practice questions and read every explanation.
- Download the PDF for offline review.
- Use timed mock exams when your untimed practice feels comfortable.
Topics to review
- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial and physiological integrity
- Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
Try Surgical Tech CST questions now
Q1Once a sterile field has been established, which area of a sterile gown is considered sterile?
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✓ Correct answer: The front from chest to sterile-field level and the sleeves to two inches above the elbow
A sterile gown is considered sterile only in front from the chest to the level of the sterile field and at the sleeves from two inches above the elbow to the cuff. The back and areas below the field level are not sterile.
Q2What is the minimum exposure time to achieve sterilization for wrapped items in a gravity-displacement steam sterilizer operating at 250 degrees F (121 degrees C)?
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✓ Correct answer: 30 minutes
Gravity-displacement steam sterilization at 250 degrees F (121 degrees C) typically requires a 30-minute exposure for wrapped items, because air removal is slower than in a prevacuum cycle. Higher temperatures (270 degrees F) shorten the required time.
Q3A biological indicator used to monitor steam sterilization most commonly contains spores of which organism?
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✓ Correct answer: Geobacillus stearothermophilus
Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are used to test steam and hydrogen peroxide sterilization because they are highly heat-resistant. Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used for dry-heat and ethylene oxide processes.
Q4If a circulator observes a break in sterile technique that no one else noticed, the correct action is to:
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✓ Correct answer: Announce and correct the contamination immediately
Surgical conscience requires that any break in sterile technique be identified and corrected immediately, regardless of who is watching. Patient safety takes priority over convenience or embarrassment.
Q5Ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization is most appropriate for which type of item?
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✓ Correct answer: Heat- and moisture-sensitive plastics and electronics
Ethylene oxide is a low-temperature chemical sterilant used for heat- and moisture-sensitive items such as plastics, electronics, and fiber-optic cables. Its drawbacks are long aeration times and toxicity.
Q6Items used to set up a sterile field should be opened in what sequence relative to the time of use?
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✓ Correct answer: As close as possible to the time of surgery
Sterile supplies should be opened as close as possible to the time of use to minimize the chance of airborne contamination. Prolonged exposure of an open field increases the risk of contamination.
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