Free Certified Surgical Technologist MCQ Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What number of white blood cells in an adult is considered normal?

12000 to 15000
1000 to 2000
20000 to 25000
5000 to 9000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5000 to 9000

A normal white blood cell (WBC) count in an adult typically ranges from 5,000 to 9,000 cells per microliter of blood. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are crucial components of the immune system, fighting off infections and other diseases. Counts outside this range can indicate underlying medical conditions, such as infection (leukocytosis) or immunosuppression (leukopenia).

Question 2: What bodily part undergoes preparation for an ORIF of the humerus?

Arm, fingers to shoulder (Correct answer)
Arm, foot to shoulder
Arm, fingers to elbow
Leg, foot to hip

Correct answer: Arm, fingers to shoulder

For an Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) of the humerus, the surgical preparation area must encompass the entire arm, extending from the fingertips up to the shoulder. This wide prep area ensures that the surgical team has sterile access to the entire bone and surrounding tissues, accommodating potential extensions of the incision or manipulation of the limb during the procedure. It also accounts for any necessary draping and movement of the arm.

Question 3: Which of the following equipment should be included in a TURP setup?

Resectoscope (Correct answer)
Lithotrite
Gaylor biopsy forceps
Urethrotome

Correct answer: Resectoscope

A Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) is a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The primary instrument used for a TURP is a resectoscope, which is a specialized endoscope equipped with a wire loop that uses high-frequency electrical current to cut and coagulate prostatic tissue. This allows for the removal of obstructing prostate tissue through the urethra without an external incision.

Question 4: Which medications can elevate the patient's blood pressure in an emergency?

Procaine (Novocaine)
Epinephrine (Adrenalin) (Correct answer)
Morphine sulfate
Succinylcholine (Anectine)

Correct answer: Epinephrine (Adrenalin)

Epinephrine, also known as Adrenalin, is a potent vasoconstrictor and cardiac stimulant commonly used in emergency situations to elevate blood pressure. It acts on alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, causing peripheral vasoconstriction and increasing heart rate and contractility. This makes it a critical medication for treating conditions like anaphylactic shock or severe hypotension.

Question 5: The parathyroid hormone controls

Sodium
Calcium (Correct answer)
Bicarbonate
Protein

Correct answer: Calcium

The parathyroid hormone (PTH), secreted by the parathyroid glands, is the primary regulator of calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. PTH increases blood calcium levels by stimulating calcium release from bones, increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and promoting vitamin D activation, which enhances intestinal calcium absorption. Maintaining proper calcium balance is vital for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

Question 6: What surgical technique is preferred for breast surgery?

Lateral
Dorsal Recumbent (Correct answer)
Lithotomy
Prone

Correct answer: Dorsal Recumbent

The dorsal recumbent position, also known as supine, is generally preferred for most breast surgeries, including biopsies, lumpectomies, and mastectomies. In this position, the patient lies flat on their back, allowing for optimal exposure of the chest and breast area. This provides the surgeon with clear access and facilitates proper draping and positioning for the procedure.

Question 7: Which of the following is the strongest against sterilizing techniques?

Spirochete
Virus
Tubercle bacillus
Spore (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Spore

Bacterial spores are the most resistant forms of microbial life to sterilization techniques. These dormant, highly resilient structures are formed by certain bacteria, like *Clostridium* and *Bacillus*, to survive harsh environmental conditions. Their tough outer coat and dehydrated core make them extremely difficult to destroy with heat, chemicals, or radiation, requiring more rigorous sterilization methods like steam under pressure (autoclaving).

Question 8: The patient's leg should be lowered gradually when the position of an anesthetized patient is changed from lithotomy to supine to avoid:

Respiratory
Circulatory depression (Correct answer)
Hypertension
Laryngospasm

Correct answer: Circulatory depression

When changing an anesthetized patient's position from lithotomy to supine, the legs should be lowered gradually and simultaneously to prevent circulatory depression. Rapid lowering of the legs can cause a sudden shift of blood from the lower extremities back to the central circulation, potentially leading to a rapid drop in blood pressure and reduced cardiac output. This gradual movement allows the cardiovascular system to adapt and maintain hemodynamic stability.

Question 9: What catheter from the list below is used for embolectomies?

Malecot
Angiocath
Foley
Fogarty (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fogarty

The Fogarty catheter is a specialized balloon-tipped catheter primarily used for embolectomies, which are procedures to remove blood clots (emboli) from blood vessels. The catheter is inserted past the clot, the balloon is inflated, and then the catheter is gently withdrawn, pulling the clot out of the vessel. Its design allows for effective and relatively atraumatic removal of emboli.

Question 10: What instrument has teeth among the ones listed below?

Babcock
Mosquito
Allis (Correct answer)
Mixter

Correct answer: Allis

Among the listed instruments, the Allis clamp (or Allis tissue forceps) is characterized by its fine, sharp teeth at the tips. These teeth interlock when the instrument is closed, providing a secure, non-crushing grip on fascia and other tough tissues. It is commonly used to grasp and hold tissue, particularly in general and gynecological surgeries.

Question 11: Hair should be removed in the following order before cranial surgery:

Saved for possible transplant
Saved because it is personal property (Correct answer)
Discarded
Sent to pathology

Correct answer: Saved because it is personal property

Before cranial surgery, if hair needs to be removed, it should be saved and treated as the patient's personal property. This respects the patient's autonomy and personal belongings, as hair can hold significant personal or cultural value. The removed hair should be placed in a labeled bag and returned to the patient or their family after the procedure.

Question 12: What position is typically used for hemorrhoidectomy?

Jack-knife (Correct answer)
Knee-chest
Supine
Lateral

Correct answer: Jack-knife

The jack-knife position, also known as Kraske position, is typically used for hemorrhoidectomy procedures. In this position, the patient lies prone with the hips flexed and the head and feet lowered, creating an inverted V-shape. This positioning provides optimal exposure of the perianal and rectal area, facilitating surgical access for the removal of hemorrhoids.

Question 13: In the course of an appendectomy, the following tools should not touch the appendix:

Wiped with a saline sponge
Returned to the Mayo stand
Wiped with an alcohol sponge
Placed in a separate basin (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Placed in a separate basin

During an appendectomy, instruments that have come into contact with the infected appendix should be immediately isolated and placed in a separate basin. This practice is crucial for preventing the spread of contamination to other sterile instruments, the surgical field, or the patient's healthy tissues. Maintaining strict aseptic technique helps reduce the risk of postoperative infection.

Question 14: Which of the subsequent specialties employs the usage of bellucci scissors?

General
Plastic and Reconstructive
Otorhinolaryngology (Correct answer)
Gynecology

Correct answer: Otorhinolaryngology

Bellucci scissors are delicate, fine-tipped scissors specifically designed for use in otologic (ear) surgery, which falls under the specialty of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT). These precision instruments are essential for intricate dissections and cutting in the confined spaces of the middle ear, such as during stapedectomy or tympanoplasty procedures.

Question 15: What is the suturing technique used to place brief lateral stitches below the skin's epithelial layer?

Traction
Mattress
Subcuticular (Correct answer)
Purse-string

Correct answer: Subcuticular

The subcuticular suturing technique involves placing continuous, short, lateral stitches just below the skin's epithelial layer, within the dermis. This method approximates the skin edges without visible external sutures, resulting in a cosmetically appealing scar. It is often used for incisions where minimal tension is present and a good aesthetic outcome is desired.

Question 16: For a patient in the lithotomy position, which of the following is a suitable placement area for the electrosurgical ground pad?

Anterior thigh (Correct answer)
Posterior shoulder
Upper arm
Upper buttock

Correct answer: Anterior thigh

For a patient in the lithotomy position, a suitable placement area for the electrosurgical ground pad (dispersive electrode) is the anterior thigh. This area provides a large, well-vascularized, and relatively flat surface for optimal contact, ensuring safe current dispersion and minimizing the risk of burns. The ground pad should be placed on a clean, dry, and hairless area, away from bony prominences or scar tissue.

Free Certified Surgical Technologist MCQ Questions and Answers

What number of white blood cells in an adult is considered normal?