50 Surgical Tech Practice Questions 2024

Click here to download 50 surgical tech exam practice questions.

50 Surgical Technologist Practice Questions

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Intraoperative Procedures (Questions 1–14)

1. Fill in the Blank: Irrigate, __, and sponge the operative site as directed.
2. Short Answer: What is the role of a surgical technologist in monitoring medication and solution use during a procedure?
3. True or False: Surgical technologists verify the correct type and size of implantable items with the surgeon.
4. Multiple Choice: What type of graft preparation might a surgical technologist perform?
   a. Allograft
   b. Autograft
   c. Synthetic
   d. All of the above
5. Fill in the Blank: Surgical technologists must verify, prepare, and __ specimens.
6. Short Answer: Name two items surgical technologists prepare for insertion during surgery.
7. Matching: Match the intraoperative observation with the correct focus:

• Monitoring blood loss
• Monitoring patient positioning

1. Fill in the Blank: During an emergency, a surgical technologist must perform appropriate __.
2. True or False: Preventative actions in potentially harmful situations are initiated by surgical technologists.
3. Multiple Choice: What device is connected and activated to suction apparatus by a surgical technologist?
   a. Catheters
   b. Drains
   c. Both a and b
4. Short Answer: What is prepared and applied to the wound site at the end of a surgical procedure?
5. Fill in the Blank: Assist in the application of casts, __, and braces.
6. True or False: Surgical technologists prepare dressings for wound care.
7. Short Answer: What role do surgical technologists play during the application of a splint?

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Postoperative Procedures (Questions 15–26)

15. Multiple Choice: What is the first step in postoperative procedures?
    a. Remove drapes and equipment
    b. Report blood loss
    c. Dispose of contaminated sharps
16. True or False: Surgical technologists assist in cleaning the patient before transfer to the recovery bed.
17. Short Answer: Name two abnormal postoperative findings a surgical technologist should report.
18. Fill in the Blank: Surgical technologists must report quantitative __ loss.
19. Short Answer: What action is taken with contaminated sharps after surgery?
20. Matching: Match the task to the procedure:
    • Dispose of waste: __
    • Dock suction apparatus: __
21. Multiple Choice: What must be done after environmental disinfection in the OR?
    a. Reset OR bed
    b. Restock supplies
    c. Both a and b
22. True or False: Surgical technologists assist with inventory of sterile supplies and verify expiration dates.
23. Fill in the Blank: Organize each OR at the end of the day and ensure that all __ items are in the room.
24. Short Answer: Name two tasks surgical technologists perform to prepare the OR for the next case.
25. True or False: Docking suction apparatus for cleaning is part of postoperative duties.
26. Short Answer: Why is it important to participate in a case debrief?

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Ancillary Duties (Questions 27–34)

27. Multiple Choice: What is a surgical technologist’s responsibility regarding surgeon preference cards?
    a. Revise them as necessary
    b. Create new ones
    c. Both a and b
28. True or False: Surgical technologists are involved in cost containment processes.
29. Short Answer: What protocol must a surgical technologist follow during a hospital disaster?
30. Fill in the Blank: Recognize safety and environmental hazards, including fire and __.
31. Matching: Match the skill with its application:
    • Interpersonal skills: __
    • Conflict resolution: __
32. Short Answer: Why is the application of ethical and legal practices important in surgical patient care?
33. True or False: Surgical technologists should mentor new or traveling perioperative personnel.
34. Multiple Choice: What is one ancillary duty related to OR inventory?
    a. Restocking leftover instruments
    b. Labeling sharps
    c. Preparing sutures

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Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance (Questions 35–40)

35. Fill in the Blank: Troubleshoot equipment __ to ensure smooth operation during surgery.
36. True or False: Decontaminating and cleaning instruments is part of a surgical technologist’s role.
37. Short Answer: What is the purpose of pre-cleaning instruments with enzymatic cleaner?
38. Multiple Choice: What happens to dirty instruments after surgery?
    a. Disposed of immediately
    b. Taken to Central Supply
    c. Washed in the OR
39. Matching: Match the action to the task:
    • Inspect instruments: __
    • Assemble equipment: __
40. Short Answer: Why is it essential to interpret chemical and biological indicators?

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Basic Science (Questions 41–50)

41. True or False: Surgical technologists must demonstrate knowledge of anatomical systems related to surgical procedures.
42. Multiple Choice: Which system is NOT typically included in surgical procedures?
    a. Cardiovascular
    b. Integumentary
    c. Endocrine
43. Fill in the Blank: Knowledge of __ is crucial when performing surgical tasks in the gastrointestinal system.
44. Matching: Match the system with its focus:
    • Neurological: __
    • Pulmonary: __
45. Short Answer: Name three anatomical systems frequently involved in surgical procedures.
46. True or False: The lymphatic system is related to the body’s immune function.
47. Fill in the Blank: The __ system involves bones, joints, and cartilage.
48. Multiple Choice: Which system involves the heart and blood vessels?
    a. Genitourinary
    b. Cardiovascular
    c. Muscular
49. Short Answer: Why is it important for surgical technologists to use appropriate medical terminology?
50. Matching: Match the medical abbreviation with its meaning:
    • A&P: __
    • GU: __

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Answers to the 50 surgical tech exam practice questions:

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Intraoperative Procedures (Questions 1–14)

1. Irrigate, suction, and sponge the operative site as directed.
2. Surgical technologists monitor the correct type and amount of medication and solutions used during the procedure.
3. True
4. d. All of the above
5. Surgical technologists must verify, prepare, and label specimens.
6. Drains and catheters.
7. – Monitoring blood loss: Blood color and volume

• Monitoring patient positioning: Ensuring proper alignment and safety

1. Actions
2. True
3. c. Both a and b
4. Surgical technologists prepare and apply dressings to the wound site.
5. Splints
6. True
7. Surgical technologists assist by holding or securing the splint in place while the surgeon applies it.

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Postoperative Procedures (Questions 15–26)

15. a. Remove drapes and equipment
16. True
17. Bleeding at the surgical site, hematoma, rash.
18. Blood
19. Dispose of them in a sharps container in compliance with Standard Precautions.
20. – Dispose of waste: Compliant with Standard Precautions
    • Dock suction apparatus: Prepare for cleaning
21. c. Both a and b
22. True
23. Minimum
24. Reset the OR and restock supplies.
25. True
26. Participating in a case debrief allows the team to review performance, identify issues, and improve future procedures.

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Ancillary Duties (Questions 27–34)

27. c. Both a and b
28. True
29. Follow the hospital’s and national disaster plan protocol.
30. Chemical spill
31. – Interpersonal skills: Listening and diplomacy
    • Conflict resolution: Addressing and resolving disagreements
32. Ethical and legal practices ensure patient safety, compliance with regulations, and professional integrity.
33. True
34. a. Restocking leftover instruments

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Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance (Questions 35–40)

35. Malfunctions
36. True
37. To break down organic material and ensure instruments are ready for sterilization.
38. b. Taken to Central Supply
39. – Inspect instruments: Check for damage
    • Assemble equipment: Ensure proper functionality
40. Interpreting chemical and biological indicators ensures the effectiveness of the sterilization process and patient safety.

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Basic Science (Questions 41–50)

41. True
42. c. Endocrine
43. Anatomy and physiology
44. – Neurological: Brain and nerves
    • Pulmonary: Lungs and respiratory system
45. Cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal.
46. True
47. Skeletal
48. b. Cardiovascular
49. Using appropriate medical terminology ensures clear communication among the surgical team.
50. – A&P: Anatomy and Physiology
    • GU: Genitourinary

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