AST Certification Exam Study Guide with
complete solutions 2024/2025
Teeth - ANSWER-Located in the sockets of the alveolar processes of the
mandible and maxillae
Clean-contaminated - ANSWER-Category of a surgical procedure entering the
GI/GU/Resp tracts ( increased risk due to the bacteria we have there)
Clean-contaminated - ANSWER-Bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth and
into the brachial tube is considered what category of a procedure
Alpha-chymotrypsin - ANSWER-A solution used to soften the zonules holding the
lens before cataract surgery to ease extraction of the lens
Enter head first, exit feet first - ANSWER-How should the patient be placed in the
elevator when being transported to the OR on the stretcher?
Pfannenstiel - ANSWER-A curved transverse incision across the lower abdomen
used frequently in gynecological procedures
Flat - ANSWER-Metal trays that are perforated or have a mesh bottom should be
placed on the sterilizing cart:
Hyperkalmia - ANSWER-Excessive amount of potassium in the blood, can cause
cardiac irregularities
,Potassium - ANSWER-Influences the electrical excitability of cells, effects the
cells volume, it's balance is important in maintaining the acid-base balance, the
amount affects cell metabolism
Curved Mayo - ANSWER-Type of scissors used to cut tough tissue, such as
fascia, tendons and muscle
Argon - ANSWER-Type of laser that can travel through clear fluids and tissue
Informed consent - ANSWER-Obtained by the patient before any invasive surgery
can be performed. It protects the patient because it verifies that he/she
understands the condition to be treated and the intervention to be performed
Cardiac - ANSWER-Portion of the stomach that surrounds the superior opening
of the stomach
Spores and M. tuberculosis - ANSWER-Low-level disinfectants kill most types of
bacteria and some fungi and viruses, but does not kill:
Syndactyly - ANSWER-Webbing of the digits is termed:
Back table - ANSWER-Surgical packs are opened:
Islets of Langerhans - ANSWER-Located in the pancreas, secretes glucagon,
insulin, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide
Extraction - ANSWER-Removal of teeth
Odontectomy - ANSWER-Resection of the bone surrounding the tooth prior to the
removal of a tooth
Escherichia coli - ANSWER-Gram negative rod bacteria that is part of the normal
flora of the intestinal tract of humans and is an opportunistic bacterial
Surgically clean - ANSWER-The skin is rendered after a properly performed
surgical scrub is done
Ampulla of Vator - ANSWER-The pancreatic ducts join and distal end of the
common bile duct
,Name, date of birth, physician - ANSWER-Identifies the patient on their ID bracelet
prior to being transported to the OR
Spirilli - ANSWER-spiral shaped bacteria
Gallbladder - ANSWER-Stores bile until it is needed in the small intestine
Circulator - ANSWER-Not part of the sterile team in the OR
Time relates to the length of time the surgical technologist is exposed, shielding
is the donning of lead aprons, and distance is standing as far away as possible
out of the path of the direct beam of ionizing radiation - ANSWER-Three factors
for reducing ionizing radiation exposure
Duodenum - ANSWER-Starts at the pyloric sphincter of the stomach
Lateral - ANSWER-Position used patients undergoing kidney surgery to expose
the operative site
Rickettsiae - ANSWER-Obligated intracellular parasites usually transmitted by
arthropod vectors
Colposcopy - ANSWER-Procedure using binocular microscope during an
examination of the vagina
Tamponade - ANSWER-Compression of the heart due to a collection of blood or
fluid within the pericardium
Arthrocentesis - ANSWER-Surgical puncture of a joint space with a needle to
remove fluid
-centesis - ANSWER-surgical puncture to remove fluid
Arthro- - ANSWER-joint
Cecum - ANSWER-The appendix is attached to
Gram stain - ANSWER-Test that determines the shape and grouping
characteristics of bacteria
, Mydriatics - ANSWER-Dilates the pupil for examination of the retina, refraction
testing, or easier removal of the lens
Supine - ANSWER-Optimal surgical position for a mitral valve replacement
procedure
Argon - ANSWER-Laser used because the beam travels through clear tissues
without heating it, making it ideal for use on retinal disorders
Bacillus stearothermophilus - ANSWER-Organism used as a biological indicator
which is killed when exposed to steam sterilization conditions
Anaerobes - ANSWER-bacteria that can live without oxygen
Fistula - ANSWER-Abnormal tract that is open on both ends, is most often
develops after bladder, bowel and pelvic procedures
Antagonist - ANSWER-Drug that neutralizes or impedes the action of another
drug or reverses its effects
Both ovaries, both Fallopian tubes, uterus - ANSWER-If a tumor of an ovary is
found to be malignant, the surgeon will excise:
Kyphosis - ANSWER-An exaggeration of the thoracic curve of the spine, resulting
in a condition called hunchback
Hallux valgus - ANSWER-Medical term for a bunion, which is an bony exostosis
located on the medial side of the first metatarsal head of the big toe
Mesentery - ANSWER-Binds the small intestines to the posterior abdominal wall
Inguinal incision - ANSWER-Another name for a lower oblique incision
Methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol) - ANSWER-A steroid used topically to
diminish inflammation after ophthalmic surgery
Coude - ANSWER-Urinary catheter with a small curved tapered tip
Reverse trendelenburg - ANSWER-Position provides good exposure of the
operative site for a thyroidectomy and allows the viscera to fall away of toward
the feet to provide better exposure to the gallbladder
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