CST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a towel clip on an instrument tray? → To secure sterile drapes to the patient
2. What should a surgical technician do in case of a surgical instrument malfunction during a procedure? → Inform the surgeon and take action to replace or repair the instrument.
3. Which action should the surgical technologist take when a patient states they are allergic to latex just before entering the OR? → Notify the surgical team immediately and prepare a latex-free environment
4. Humidity in the OR should be maintained between which levels to reduce static electricity and microbial growth? → 20–60%
5. The Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used by the OR team primarily to: → Assess baseline neurological status and guide urgency of neurosurgical intervention
6. During a cardiac procedure, protamine sulfate is administered. What is its function? → It reverses the anticoagulant effects of heparin
7. When performing a trauma thoracotomy, the left thoracic cavity is entered through which intercostal space? → 4th or 5th intercostal space along the anterolateral chest wall
8. When assembling a tray for a procedure requiring magnification, the scrub technician should include which type of instruments? → Micro-instruments with smooth, fine-tipped jaws
9. The circulator is preparing to pour contrast dye onto the sterile field for an arthrogram. What must the surgical technologist verify before accepting it? → The name, concentration, and expiration date of the agent
10. A CST professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing surgical asepsis & sterilization duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
11. What is the primary ethical obligation of a CST professional when a conflict of interest arises during surgical asepsis & sterilization activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
12. A penetrating abdominal trauma patient has an eviscerated bowel loop through a stab wound. The scrub tech preparing for emergency laparotomy should NOT: → Attempt to replace the bowel into the abdomen pre-operatively
13. Which reversal agent is administered to counteract the effects of opioid overdose or respiratory depression in the perioperative setting? → Naloxone
14. Which stapler type is used to perform a linear resection AND simultaneous stapled closure of both cut ends? → GIA stapler
15. A CST who works a double shift despite feeling fatigued and impaired is violating which ethical principle? → Nonmaleficence
16. Which vascular clamp is most commonly used to control the aorta during an emergency department thoracotomy? → DeBakey aortic clamp
17. Which dressing type is most appropriate for a wound requiring a moist healing environment to promote granulation tissue? → Transparent film dressing or hydrocolloid
18. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of surgical asepsis & sterilization as it applies to Certified Surgery Technician? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
19. Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive optic instruments such as laparoscopes? → Ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization
20. During a below-knee amputation, which level of bone transection preserves maximum functional stump length while ensuring adequate healing? → 10–15 cm below the tibial plateau
21. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for the surgical technologist when irrigating a wound with pressure? → Sterile gown, gloves, mask, and eye protection
22. The correct method for passing a sharp instrument to a surgeon on the sterile field is: → Neutral zone (hands-free) technique placing the instrument in a designated safe zone
23. When using a harmonic scalpel, energy is transmitted to tissue through which mechanism? → Ultrasonic vibration
24. Which radiographic protection principle requires the surgical team to maintain maximum distance from the X-ray source during intraoperative fluoroscopy? → Distance principle
25. What is the required protocol for inspecting drapes before they are removed from the OR? → Drapes must be carefully unfolded and inspected for concealed items before removal
26. What is the role of the surgical technician in preventing surgical site infections? → To ensure the sterile field is maintained and contamination risks are minimized.
27. What is the primary ethical obligation of a CST professional when a conflict of interest arises during or efficiency & case flow activities? → Disclose the conflict to all relevant parties and recuse from the decision if necessary
28. Who is responsible for performing surgical counts in the OR? → The scrub technician and the circulating nurse together
29. During an open appendectomy via a McBurney's incision, the base of the appendix is identified at the convergence of which colonic structure? → Taeniae coli
30. What should a surgical technician do if they discover a malfunctioning instrument during surgery? → Immediately inform the surgeon and assist in replacing or repairing the instrument.