NBSTSA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the NBSTSA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 NBSTSA Exam Format at a Glance
📚 NBSTSA Topics to Study (33)
✍️ Sample NBSTSA Questions & Answers
1. Which suture technique is preferred for closing a bowel enterotomy to minimize luminal narrowing?
Closing an enterotomy transversely (perpendicular to the bowel axis) prevents luminal stenosis compared to longitudinal closure.
2. An item is considered sterile if it was sterilized by steam autoclave and stored in a clean, closed cabinet for:
Per event-related sterility, an item sterilized by autoclave remains sterile indefinitely as long as the packaging remains intact and undamaged.
3. The scrub technologist's role in the final wound count is to:
The scrub person and circulator count together, both visualizing each item, and verbally confirm counts are correct to the surgeon before wound closure is completed.
4. What is the purpose of applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) to a surgical patient preoperatively?
Sequential compression devices apply intermittent pneumatic pressure to the lower extremities to promote venous return and prevent deep vein thrombosis in immobile surgical patients.
5. A Penrose drain is classified as which type of drain?
A Penrose drain is a passive, open drain that relies on gravity and capillary action to remove fluid rather than active suction.
6. During preoperative checklist completion, the surgical technologist verifies that the operative site has been marked. Who is responsible for marking the surgical site?
Per The Joint Commission's Universal Protocol, the licensed practitioner who will perform the procedure is responsible for marking the operative site.