AST Certification Practice Exam #3
Questions with Answers
Which cranial nerve is affected by trigeminal neuralgia?
a. I
b. V
c. VI
d. VII -Answer- b. V
What is used to lubricate the donor site and reduce friction
...
AST Certification Practice Exam #3
Questions with Answers
Which cranial nerve is affected by trigeminal neuralgia?
a. I
b. V
c. VI
d. VII -Answer- b. V
What is used to lubricate the donor site and reduce friction from the dermatome?
a. Bacitracin ointment
b. Iodophor solution
c. Petrolatum gel
d. Mineral oil -Answer- d. Mineral oil
Which of the following is an example of proper sterile technique when performing the
prep for a split-thickness skin graft?
a. Donor site first
b. Recipient site
c. Donor site only
d. Recipient site only -Answer- a. Donor site first
What is the recommended range of intra-abdominal pressure in an adult patient when
using an insuffaltor during a laparoscopic procedure?
a. 8-11 mm Hg
b. 12-15 mm Hg
c. 16-19 mm Hg
d. 20-23 mm Hg -Answer- b. 12-15 mm Hg
Which of these terms refers to the inability to direct both eyes at the same object?
a. Strabismus
b. Chalazion
c. Glaucoma
d. Cataract -Answer- a. Strabismus
What procedure is peformed to correct chronic cerebral ischemia?
a. Rhizotomy
b. Cranioplasty
c. Arteriography
d. Endarterectomy -Answer- d. Endarterectomy
According to the Rule of Nines, what percentage is assigned to the front and back of the
trunk?
a. 27%b. 18%
c. 4 1/2%
d. 1% -Answer- b. 18%
Which term refers to an abnormal increase in the number of cells?
a. Atrophy
b. Dysplasia
c. Hyperplasia
d. Hypertrophy -Answer- c. Hyperplasia
A second intention wound heals by:
a. Granulation
b. Evisceration
c. Primary union
d. Delayed suturing -Answer- a. Granulation
Intraoperative ventricular arrhythmias are treated with:
a. Lidocaine
b. Digitoxin
c. Prostigmin
d. Furosemide -Answer- a. Lidocaine
How many milimeters equal two (2) ounces?
a. 40
b. 50
c. 60
d. 70 -Answer- c. 60
Covering a sterile back table for later use is:
a. Permissible for up to one hour before the procedure
b. Permissible in instances of an emergency
c. Not permissible for up to 2 hours before the procedure
d. Not permissible under any circumstances -Answer- d. Not permissible under any
circumstances
In which position would a patient be placed to counteract hypovolemia?
a. Left lateral
b. Right lateral
c. Trendelenburg
d. Reverse Trendelenburg -Answer- c. Trendelenburg
Which of the following types of suture create the least tissue trauma and drag?
a. Swaged multifilament
b. Swaged monofilament
c. Threaded multifilament
d. Threaded monofilament -Answer- b. Swaged monofilamentWhich organization has legal oversight for the safety of healthcare providers in the work
place?
a. EPA
b. CDC
c. OSHA
d. NIOSH -Answer- c. OSHA
Which level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is most applicable to the surgical patient?
a. Esteem and prestige
b. Love and belonging
c. Safety and security
d. Physiological and survival -Answer- d. Physiological and survival
Which of the following would be incorrect technique when removing the sterile gown
and gloves?
a. Circulator unties gown
b. Gown removed inside-out
c. Gloves removed inside-out
d. Gloves removed first -Answer- d. Gloves removed first
What type of procedure might require a laparoscopy combination drape?
a. Pilonidal cystectomy
b. Subacromial decompression
c. Abdominoperineal resection
d. Femorofemoral bypass -Answer- c. Abdominoperineal resection
Cell destruction by steam sterilization occurs by:
a. Cellular membrane damage
b. Interrupt cellular division
c. Altering cellular DNA
d. Coagulation of protein -Answer- d. Coagulation of protein
Which technique is not acceptable when draping?
a. Hold the drapes 12 inches above patient until over the draping site
b. Protect gloved hand by cuffing end of drape over it
c. Unfold drape before bringing up to the OR table
d. Place drapes on dry area when setting up backtable -Answer- c. Unfold drape before
bringing up to the OR table
A patient's fingernail polish is removed to:
a. Prevent surgical wound infection
b. Allow temperature to be recorded
c. Prevent ESU exit pathway
d. Allow for use of pulse oximeter -Answer- d. Allow for use of pulse oximeterWhat is the purpose of maintaining the air exchange rate at 15-20 times per hour in the
OR?
a. Reduce microbial count
b. Increase humidity
c. Provide comfortable environment
d. Decrease static electricity -Answer- a. Reduce microbial count
How many mL of water is necessary to inflate a 5-mL balloon on the Foley indwelling
catheter?
a. 5
b. 10
c. 15
d. 20 -Answer- b. 10
If an opthalmologist orders trimming of eyelashes, how is it safely performed?
a. Electric trimmer used on dry lashes
b. Electric trimmer used on wet lashes
c. Fine scissors without water-soluble gel
d. Fine scissors coated with water-soluble gel -Answer- d. Fine scissors coated with
water-soluble gel
What is the correct technique for performing the surgical skin prep?
a. Incision site to periphery using circular motion
b. Periphery to incision site using circular motion
c. Incision site to periphery using back-and-forth motion
d. Periphery to incision site using back-and-forth motion -Answer- a. Incision site to
periphery using circular motion
The laboratory test that determines the ratio of erythrocytes to whole blood is:
a. Reticulocyte count
b. Differential count
c. Hematocrit
d. Hemoglobin -Answer- c. Hematocrit
What is the proper procedure to follow when a pack of sponges contains an incorrect
number after the patient has entered the OR?
a. Record actual number and use
b. Hand off the sterile field and isolate
c. Place on sterile backtable and do not use
d. Remove from the OR -Answer- b. Hand off the sterile field and isolate
Which of the following types of specimens would not be placed in a preservative
solution?
a. Colon
b. Calculi
c. Tonsilsd. Uterus -Answer- b. Calculi
Where should the surgical technologist begin when performing closing counts?
a. Backtable
b. Mayo stand
c. Off the field
d. Operative field -Answer- d. Operative field
Which of the following catheter tips is used in a patient with a urethral structure?
a. Olive
b. Coude
c. Whistle
d. Mushroom -Answer- b. Coude
Which type of procedure would require a stent dressing?
a. Neck
b. Inguinal
c. Extremity
d. Abdominal -Answer- a. Neck
Which of the following is used in order to ensure preservation of the facial nerve during
a parotidectomy?
a. Monopolar cautery
b. Nerve stimulator
c. Microscope
d. Doppler -Answer- b. Nerve stimulator
Which of the following hemostatic agents is contraindicated for use in the presence of
infection?
a. Topical thrombin
b. Oxidized cellulose
c. Absorbable gelatin
d. Absorbable collagen -Answer- d. Absorbable collagen
During closure of a nephrectomy in the lateral position, the OR table is straightened to
facilitate:
a. Proper circulation
b. Wound hemostasis
c. Adequate respirations
d. Tissue approximation -Answer- d. Tissue approximation
Which of the following must be tested prior to the use of a fiberoptic bronchoscope?
a. Light source
b. Laser fiber
c. Nitrogen level
d. Magnification lens -Answer- a. Light sourceExcision of a constricted segment of the aorta with reanastomosis is performed to
correct:
a. Patent ductus arteriosus
b. Coarctation of the aorta
c. Aortic aneurysm
d. Transposition of the great vessels -Answer- b. Coarctation of the aorta
For which of the following diagnoses would a patient undergo endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography?
a. Cholecystitis
b. Choledocholithiasis
c. Pancreatitis
d. Pancreatolithiasis -Answer- b. Choledocholithiasis
The high ligation of the gonadal veins of the testes performed to reduce venous plexus
congestion is a/an:
a. Spermatocelectomy
b. Varicocelectomy
c. Epididymectomy
d. Vasovasostomy -Answer- b. Varicocelectomy
Trauma to which two of the following cranial nerves would result in the loss of smell and
vision?
a. I and II
b. I and III
c. II and III
d. II and IV -Answer- a. I and II
Which of the following is performed for suspected ectopic pregnancy?
a. Culdocentesis
b. Colposcopy
c. Culdotomy
d. Colporrhaphy -Answer- a. Culdocentesis
Which of the following is a procedure for treatment of glaucoma?
a. Vitrectomy
b. Iridectomy
c. Enucleation
d. Keratoplasty -Answer- b. Iridectomy
What procedure is performed to immobilize the jaw following a mandibular fracture?
a. Arch bar application
b. TMJ osteotomy
c. LeFort I
d. LeFort II -Answer- a. Arch bar applicationWhich of the following total arthroplasty procedures would require the postoperative use
of an abduction splint?
a. Hip
b. Knee
c. Ankle
d. Shoulder -Answer- a. Hip
Untreated acute otitis media may result in:
a. Tonsillitis
b. Mastoiditis
c. Adenoiditis
d. Ethmoiditis -Answer- b. Mastoiditis
Which of the following is used intraoperatively to assess vascular potency?
a. Positron emission tomography
b. Magnetic resonance imaging
c. Computed tomography
d. Doppler ultrasound -Answer- d. Doppler ultrasound
b. Tonsillectomy -Answer- The instrument shown below would be used during a:
a. Parotidectomy
b. Tonsillectomy
c. Rhytidectomy
d. Stapedectomy
Which of the following is the body's primary source of energy?
a. Carbohydrates
b. Vitamins
c. Proteins
d. Fats -Answer- a. Carbohydrates
What is compressed during rapid-sequence induction and intubation?
a. Hyoid
b. Manubrium
c. Thyroid gland
d. Cricoid cartilage -Answer- d. Cricoid cartilage
What term refers to the spread of cancerous cells to other parts of the body?
a. In-situ
b. In-vivo
c. Metastasis
d. Encapsulation -Answer- c. Metastasis
The shared passageway for food and air is the:
a. Tracheab. Larynx
c. Pharynx
d. Bronchus -Answer- c. Pharynx
The structure that lies along the posterior border of the testis is the:
a. Prostate
b. Epididymis
c. Tunica vaginalis
d. Ejaculatory duct -Answer- b. Epididymis
The valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle is the:
a. Bicuspid
b. Tricuspid
c. Aortic semilunar
d. Pulmonary semilunar -Answer- a. Bicuspid
Which characteristic describes an amphiarthrosis?
a. Hinge
b. Immobile
c. Slightly movable
d. Freely movable -Answer- c. Slightly movable
What is the most abundant ion in the body?
a. Calcium
b. Sodium
c. Potassium
d. Magnesium -Answer- a. Calcium
Which of the following is a method of bacterial survival when environmental conditions
are not conducive to growth and viability?
a. Conjugation
b. Transduction
c. Spore formation
d. Genetic mutation -Answer- c. Spore formation
What organ detects changes in the level of insulin and releases chemicals to regulate
the level of blood glucose?
a. Liver
b. Stomach
c. Pancreas
d. Gallbladder -Answer- c. Pancreas
What does the term strike-through mean?
a. Rupture of heat seal during sterilization
b. Failure of biological indicator during sterilization
c. Perforation of sharp object through sterile wrapperd. Soaking of moisture from unsterile to sterile layers -Answer- d. Soaking of moisture
from unsterile to sterile layers
Which of the following monitoring devices would be used within a vessel?
a. ECG lead
b. Swan Ganz
c. Pulse oximeter
d. Sphygmomanometer -Answer- b. Swan Ganz
When adding 30 mL of injectable saline to 30 mL of 0.5% Marcaine, what strength does
the drug become?
a. 0.25%
b. 0.5%
c. 0.75%
d. 1.0% -Answer- a. 0.25%
What action should be taken if the patient has withdrawn the surgical informed consent
prior to surgery?
a. Transport patient to OR; inform surgeon
b. Do not transport patient; inform surgeon
c. Do not transport patient; inform anesthesia provider
d. Transport patient to OR; inform OR supervisor -Answer- b. Do not transport patient;
inform surgeon
Confining and containing instruments with bioburden prevents which of the following?
a. Fomite formation
b. Personnel injury
c. Instrument loss
d. Cross-contamination -Answer- d. Cross-contamination
The unsterile size of the perimeter of a sterile wrap is:
a. 1/2 inch
b. 1 inch
c. 2 inches
d. 3 inches -Answer- b. 1 inch
A substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of microbes on living tissue is
a/an:
a. Antiseptic
b. Disinfectant
c. Sterilant
d. Sporicidal -Answer- a. Antiseptic
What action should be taken by the transporter if a discrepancy occurs in the
identification of a patient in the nursing unit?
a. Try to locate family members to verify patient identityb. Transport to OR and inform surgeon of discrepancy
c. Inform unit clerk of discrepancy and return to OR
d. Do not transport, inform unit supervisor and OR personnel -Answer- d. Do not
transport, inform unit supervisor and OR personnel
A patient may be asked to shower at home with an antimicrobial soap before coming to
the hospital for surgery to:
a. Achieve a cumulative antimicrobial effect
b. Determine if the patient is allergic to the soap
c. Reduce the amount of time for the pre-op prep
d. Leave a visible film so the prep borders will show -Answer- a. Achieve a cumulative
antimicrobial effect
What are the sequential steps performed prior to entrance into the sterile field?
a. Gown, glove, scrub
b. Glove, scrub, gown
c. Scrub, glove, gown
d. Scrub, gown, glove -Answer- d. Scrub, gown, glove
Which area is prepped last when performing the skin prep for a Bartholin's cystectomy?
a. Anus
b. Mons pubis
c. Vagina
d. Perineum -Answer- a. Anus
The sterile surgical technologist should drape a table from:
a. Side to side
b. Back to front
c. Front to back
d. Open drape, lay it down -Answer- c. Front to back
Which of the following can be injured if the arm is placed on the arm board greater than
90 degrees?
a. Brachial plexus
b. Cervical plexus
c. Rotator cuff
d. Acromioclavicular joint -Answer- a. Brachial plexus
What is the purpose of the third lumen in a three-way indwelling Foley catheter?
a. Obtain urine specimen
b. Instill irrigation fluids
c. Provide hemostasis
d. Prevent urine reflux -Answer- b. Instill irrigation fluids
Which of the following enlarges and illuminates the surgical field during cataract
procedures?a. Fluorescent overhead lights
b. Fiberoptic headlamps
c. Operating microscope
d. Surgical loupes -Answer- c. Operating microscope
Small radiopaque surgical patties used during cranial procedures are:
a. Raytecs
b. Kittners
c. Pledgets
d. Cottonoids -Answer- d. Cottonoids
Which of the following hemostatic agents must be applied dry and only handled with dry
gloves and instruments?
a. Oxycel
b. Avitene
c. Gelfoam
d. Thrombin -Answer- b. Avitene
Which surgical specialty would utilize a phacoemulsification machine?
a. Neurosurgery
b. Maxillofacial
c. Ophthalmology
d. Otorhinolaryngology -Answer- c. Ophthalmology
Which of the following lasers would be contraindicated for use in the posterior chamber
of the eye?
a. Argon
b. Excimer
c. Ho:YAG
d. Carbon dioxide -Answer- d. Carbon dioxide
In which structure of the heart are the leads for a permanent pacemaker placed?
a. Right ventricle
b. Left ventricle
c. Septum
d. Aorta -Answer- a. Right ventricle
For which of the following diagnoses would a patient require pancreaticojejunostomy?
a. Gastroschisis
b. Morbid obesity
c. Neonatal jaundice
d. Alcoholic pancreatitis -Answer- d. Alcoholic pancreatitis
In which procedure would a Bookwalter retractor be used?
a. Cystectomy
b. Nephrectomyc. Retropubic prostatectomy
d. Transurethral prostatectomy -Answer- c. Retropubic prostatectomy
Which cranial nerve is severed as a last resort treatment of Meniere's disease?
a. VII
b. VIII
c. IX
d. X -Answer- b. VIII
Brachytherapy is performed to treat:
a. Uterine prolapse
b. Endometriosis
c. Cervical cancer
d. Menorrhagia -Answer- c. Cervical can
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