Free practice test

Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Check what you know about the surgical technologist job with 15 free questions and instant explanations.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
About this practice test

15 multiple-choice questions on surgical technologist knowledge, safety and vocabulary. Submit to see your score and explanations, or open any question’s answer as you go. Nothing is saved or shared.

Question 1 of 15Who usually serves as the circulator?
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Answer: A non-sterile RN who manages the room. The circulator is typically a registered nurse outside the sterile field.

Question 2 of 15When should surgical counts be performed?
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Answer: Before incision, before closing and at personnel changes. Counts happen at defined points to prevent retained items.

Question 3 of 15Which part of a sterile gown is considered non-sterile?
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Answer: The back. The back of the gown can’t be monitored and is considered non-sterile.

Question 4 of 15“Surgical conscience” means:
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Answer: Reporting any break in sterile technique, even if unseen. It’s a personal commitment to sterile technique.

Question 5 of 15A hemostat is used to:
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Answer: Clamp vessels to control bleeding. Hemostats clamp vessels and tissue.

Question 6 of 15Which term matches this definition: “An instrument used to hold tissue or organs aside.”
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Answer: Retractor. Retractor: An instrument used to hold tissue or organs aside.

Question 7 of 15What does “Closed gloving” mean?
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Answer: A technique for putting on sterile gloves without the hands leaving the gown sleeves.. Closed gloving: A technique for putting on sterile gloves without the hands leaving the gown sleeves.

Question 8 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A device that uses electrical current to cut tissue and control bleeding.”
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Answer: Electrosurgical unit (ESU). Electrosurgical unit (ESU): A device that uses electrical current to cut tissue and control bleeding.

Question 9 of 15What does “Hemostat” mean?
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Answer: A clamp used to control bleeding.. Hemostat: A clamp used to control bleeding.

Question 10 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Thread used to close wounds or tie off vessels.”
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Answer: Suture. Suture: Thread used to close wounds or tie off vessels.

Question 11 of 15What does “Specimen” mean?
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Answer: Tissue removed during surgery that is sent to pathology for examination.. Specimen: Tissue removed during surgery that is sent to pathology for examination.

Question 12 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A small sterile tray positioned over the patient holding instruments in immediate use.”
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Answer: Mayo stand. Mayo stand: A small sterile tray positioned over the patient holding instruments in immediate use.

Question 13 of 15What does “Scrub role” mean?
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Answer: The team member who works within the sterile field, passing instruments.. Scrub role: The team member who works within the sterile field, passing instruments.

Question 14 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A surgeon’s list of preferred instruments, supplies and setup for a procedure.”
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Answer: Preference card. Preference card: A surgeon’s list of preferred instruments, supplies and setup for a procedure.

Question 15 of 15What does “Surgical conscience” mean?
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Answer: A personal commitment to report any break in sterile technique, even if no one saw it.. Surgical conscience: A personal commitment to report any break in sterile technique, even if no one saw it.

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