NBSTSA Practice Exam B Questions with Verified Answers

Which of the following layers are transected when a subcostal flank incision is used for a nephrectomy? - Answer- oblique muscles During which of the following surgeries is a Meckel's diverticulum typically discovered? - Answer- appendectomy Sponges that have been added to the sterile field after a procedure has begun should be counted by the - Answer- surgical technologist in the scrub role and the circulator. To help prevent toxicity and vascular events in a patient where polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is used, which of the following devices should a surgical technologist have available? - Answer- pulse lavage A specimen obtained for frozen section is generally removed from the sterile field intraoperatively because it - Answer- is sent to pathology immediately Which of the following procedures for obtaining an informed consent form is appropriate? - Answer- The patient is asked to sign the consent form after the surgeon has explained the procedure. During the application of arch bars, the surgeon will MOST likely use which of the following between the teeth and around the bar? - Answer- 25- or 26-gauge stainless steel wire Which of the following lies between the lung and the chest wall? - Answer- pleura Hepatitis B is caused by a - Answer- virus A sterile item used with an electrosurgical unit is the - Answer- active electrode The parathyroid gland regulates - Answer- calcium Which of the following examples illustrates UNSAFE technique for disposing of contaminated sharps? - Answer- Used suture needles and scalpel blades are removed from the needle counter and individually placed in the biohazard sharps container. The appendiceal stump, when inverted, is held in place by which of the following types of suture? - Answer- purse-string In order to remove a portion of the kidney, the surgeon must enter which of the following? - Answer- Gerota's fascia How much 0.25% bupivacaine (Marcaine) should be mixed with 1 mL of 1.0% lidocaine (Xylocaine) to make the solution equal strengths of both medications? - Answer- 4.0 mL When applying a pneumatic tourniquet preoperatively, which of the following items is used to force blood from an extremity? - Answer- Esmarch bandage Heaney clamps are used MOST frequently for which of the following types of surgery? - Answer- hysterectomy An RN has just asked a surgical technologist to complete a task that is within the surgical technologist's scope of practice, but the surgical technologist does not feel comfortable completing the task independently. Which of the following is the surgical technologist's BEST course of action? - Answer- Request that the RN provides the appropriate level of supervision during the task to ensure safety. During an open repair of an indirect hernia, which of the following drains should a surgical technologist have available to pass the surgeon once the spermatic cord has been dissected? - Answer- Penrose A surgical technologist is assigned to a room where the patient happens to be his neighbor. To protect patient confidentiality, the technologist should indicate that he knows the patient and - Answer- request to be removed from the room. The oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells is a function of - Answer- hemoglobin After gowning and gloving, a surgeon activates the DuraPrep applicator and proceeds to prep the patient for surgery. Which of the following is the BEST action to take at this time? - Answer- Regown and reglove the surgeon. A patient undergoing a blood transfusion is having a hemolytic reaction. Which of the following actions should the healthcare providers take FIRST? - Answer- Stop the transfusion A surgeon's preference card indicates the surgeon wears a size L gown and double-gloves with a size 7 inner glove and size 6-1/2 outer glove, and the first assistant wears a size XL gown and double-gloves with a size 7-1/2 inner glove and size 7 outer glove. The first assistant arrives prior to the surgeon. Which of the following is the proper order to place the sterile attire on the back table? - Answer- XL gown, 7-1/2 glove, 7 glove, L gown, 7 glove, 6-1/2 glove Scoliosis is MOST commonly found in which of the following curves of the vertebral column? - Answer- thoracic Which of the following is the correct skin preparation for a female patient undergoing a right mastectomy with possible axillary dissection? - Answer- shoulder, upper arm and extending down to the elbow, axilla, chest to the table line, and to the left shoulder Which of the following is a surgical instrument designed for retracting? - Answer- Gelpi Which of the following is the MOST serious complication of a strangulated hernia? - Answer- necrosis Ratcheted instruments should be - Answer- opened for washing and sterilizing Which of the following is NOT a symptom of shock? - Answer- hypertension Which of the following is the primary purpose for changing into operating room attire? - Answer- to prevent the of spread of microorganisms A physician prescribed 50 milligrams of Demerol. The Demerol is supplied in 100 mg/mL. How many mL of Demerol should be given? - Answer- 0.5 mL During a procedure, a surgical technologist touches an unsterile item with a sterile glove. Which of the following should be done? - Answer- Change the glove at once If the VII cranial nerve is severed, which of the following is the result? - Answer- facial paralysis Which of the following must be done before sterilizing an instrument with a lumen? - Answer- injecting a small amount of distilled water into the lumen What color is a nitrous oxide tank? - Answer- blue When inflating a 5-cc balloon on a Foley catheter, which of the following would be the MOST appropriate choice? - Answer- 8-10 mL of sterile water A patient entering the operating room for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy looks jaundiced. Which of the following is the BEST explanation for this? - Answer- biliary obstruction Which of the following is used to stabilize a fractured finger? - Answer- Kirschner wires Which of the following conditions is triggered by an injection of succinylcholine (Anectine) and causes an unusually high fever? - Answer- malignant hyperthermia