NBSTSA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. The principle that sterile persons must only pass other sterile persons face-to-face or back-to-back is based on which concept? → Back of the gown is non-sterile
2. What is the correct sequence for donning sterile surgical attire after hand scrub? → Gown first, then gloves
3. What is the minimum sterile field margin from the edge of a draped table that is considered non-sterile? → 1 inch
4. An incorrect sponge count at the end of a procedure should prompt the surgical team to: → Immediately inform the surgeon and perform a thorough wound exploration before closure
5. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis for surgical patients most commonly includes: → Sequential compression devices (SCDs) and/or anticoagulants
6. A Bookwalter retractor system is best classified as which type of retractor? → Self-retaining retractor
7. Which Spaulding classification category applies to surgical instruments that enter sterile tissue or the vascular system? → Critical
8. Which stapling device is used to create an anastomosis between two hollow viscera (e.g., bowel segments) in a circular, end-to-end fashion? → Circular (EEA) stapler
9. Which of the following best describes the principle of 'surgical conscience'? → An internal commitment to report and correct breaks in sterile technique immediately
10. The scrub technologist's role in the final wound count is to: → Count with the circulator and verbally confirm all counts are correct before closure
11. A Weitlaner retractor is classified as what type of retractor? → Self-retaining retractor
12. During laparoscopic surgery, the standard insufflation gas used to create the pneumoperitoneum is: → Carbon dioxide (CO2)
13. What does the term 'aseptic technique' mean in the surgical setting? → Practices designed to prevent contamination of the sterile field
14. Which aneurysm typically forms in the iliac and renal arteries? → abdominal aortic
15. In surgical terminology, 'anastomosis' refers to: → A surgically created connection between two hollow structures
16. Which type of anesthesia involves injection of anesthetic into the subarachnoid space? → Spinal anesthesia
17. Which nerve is at greatest risk during a thyroidectomy procedure? → Recurrent laryngeal nerve
18. Which Aldrete scoring system parameter is evaluated when determining a patient's readiness for discharge from the PACU? → Activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation
19. Which local anesthetic classification includes bupivacaine? → Amide
20. Which one of the following constitutes a high-level disinfection technique? → 2% glutaraldehyde for 20 minutes
21. Which inhalation anesthetic agent is associated with the highest potential for hepatotoxicity? → Halothane
22. Which phase of the surgical experience begins when the patient enters the operating room and ends when the patient is transferred to the PACU? → Intraoperative phase
23. Oxidized regenerated cellulose (Surgicel) achieves hemostasis through which mechanism? → Lowering local pH and activating the coagulation cascade
24. Which of the following correctly describes the OR attire rule for a scrub technologist leaving and re-entering the OR suite? → A fresh scrub suit must be donned after any exit from the OR
25. A wound that is left open initially and then closed several days later after infection risk decreases is classified as: → Tertiary intention (delayed primary closure)
26. Where can you find a Baker's cyst? → popliteal fossa
27. Which reversal agent is used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression in surgical patients? → Naloxone
28. Which instrument is designed specifically for cutting bone during orthopedic surgery? → Rongeur
29. Which suture material is absorbable and derived from sheep intestinal submucosa? → Plain catgut
30. Which patient positioning complication is most associated with the lithotomy position? → Compartment syndrome of the lower legs