CST Ethics & Professionalism 2

Question 1

A surgical technologist notices a surgeon consistently skips a required timeout step before incision. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Report the pattern to the charge nurse or supervisor

Answer

Reporting recurring safety protocol violations to a supervisor upholds patient safety and professional accountability.

Question 2

Which ethical principle requires a surgical technologist to act in the patient's best interest even when the patient cannot speak for themselves?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Beneficence means acting in the best interest of the patient, especially when they are unable to advocate for themselves.

Question 3

A CST overhears colleagues discussing a patient's surgical case in the hospital cafeteria using the patient's name. This violates which standard?

Accepted Answer

HIPAA patient privacy regulations

Answer

Discussing identifiable patient information in public areas violates HIPAA privacy regulations.

Question 4

When a surgical technologist is asked to perform a task outside their training, the correct response is to:

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain it exceeds their scope of practice

Answer

A CST must refuse tasks outside their scope of practice to protect patient safety and maintain professional standards.

Question 5

Which organization publishes the Code of Ethics specifically applicable to Certified Surgical Technologists?

Accepted Answer

Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)

Answer

The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) publishes the Code of Ethics that guides CST professional conduct.

(CST) Certified Surgery Technician Practice Test