These CST practice questions target basics — including ST, SSI, Surgical Technologist. The complete CST deck holds 1040 flashcards, 90 of them dedicated to this topic. Study the free samples below, then unlock the whole collection for a one-time $7.
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A patient is scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The Surgical Technologist (ST) notices the informed consent form is not signed. According to NBSTSA standards, who is solely responsible for obtaining the patient's informed consent?
Show answer →The surgeon is legally responsible for obtaining informed consent. The ST's role is to verify the consent is present and signed during the Time Out. Informed consent must include: diagnosis, nature of the procedure, risks/benefits, and alternative treatments. Exam Strategy: NBSTSA often tests the distinction between obtaining consent (surgeon) and witnessing/verifying (nurse or ST). If a patient asks questions about the procedure's risks, the ST must refer them to the surgeon.
During a post-operative X-ray, a laparotomy sponge is discovered in a patient's abdomen. Under which legal doctrine would the surgical team most likely be held liable, assuming the thing speaks for itself?
Show answer →Res Ipsa Loquitur (The thing speaks for itself). This doctrine applies when the injury is of a type that does not occur in the absence of negligence, the cause was under the exclusive control of the defendants, and the patient did not contribute to the injury. Clinical Pearl: Retained foreign objects (RFOs) are Never Events. Even if the count was reported as correct, the surgeon and the team (including the ST) can be held liable. NBSTSA emphasizes that the ST and Circulator share responsibility for the count.
A surgeon performs a total abdominal hysterectomy. During the procedure, the surgeon decides to also remove the gallbladder without prior consent or an immediate life-threatening indication. This action constitutes which intentional tort?
Show answer →Battery. Battery is the intentional and unwanted touching of another person without consent. Performing a procedure beyond what was authorized in the informed consent constitutes battery, even if the procedure was performed perfectly. Exam Tip: Differentiate between Assault (the threat of touching/harm) and Battery (the actual act). On the CST exam, unauthorized surgery is a classic example of battery.
An unconscious trauma patient arrives in the OR with a ruptured spleen. No family members are present. What legal principle allows the surgical team to proceed with the life-saving splenectomy without a signed informed consent?
Show answer →Implied Consent. In emergency situations where the patient is unable to give consent and there is an immediate threat to life or limb, the law presumes the patient would consent to life-saving treatment. Legal Detail: This is often referred to as the Emergency Exception. Documentation must clearly state the nature of the emergency and the inability to contact next of kin. Two consultants (surgeons) may sign to validate the necessity in some facilities.
A Surgical Technologist accidentally contaminates the sterile field, leading to a surgical site infection (SSI). The patient sues both the ST and the hospital. Which legal doctrine holds the employer responsible for the ST’s actions?
Show answer →Respondeat Superior (Let the master answer). This doctrine holds that an employer (hospital) or a principal (surgeon) is liable for the wrongful acts of an employee (ST) if the acts were committed within the scope of employment. Clinical Reasoning: While the hospital is liable, the ST is still accountable for their own professional negligence. NBSTSA focuses on this to emphasize that I was just following orders is not a legal defense for violating the standard of care.
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Try 30 free CST cards firstThe full CST deck contains 1040 flashcards, and 90 of them focus on basics. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CST deck dedicates 90 of 1040 cards (9%) to basics — always cross-check the official NBSTSA exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CST preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1040 cards is a one-time $7.
Anatomy
60 cards
Equipment
150 cards
Management
60 cards
Pathology
60 cards
Pharmacology
100 cards
Procedures
360 cards
Safety
100 cards
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