These CST practice questions target equipment. The complete CST deck holds 1040 flashcards, 150 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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During the initial setup of the operating table, what is the mandatory placement of the patient safety strap, and what is the rationale for this specific location?
Show answer →The safety strap must be placed 2 inches proximal to the knees, over the thighs. Rationale: It prevents the patient from sliding or falling during table movements (Trendelenburg/Reverse) while avoiding pressure on the peroneal nerve or popliteal space. NBSTSA Tip: Always check for two-finger slack to avoid neurovascular compromise. Common distractor: Placing it over the knees (restricts movement/risks injury).
During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the insufflator is set to a specific intra-abdominal pressure for an adult. What is the standard pressure range, and what are the physiological risks of exceeding 15 mmHg?
Show answer →Standard adult intra-abdominal pressure is 12-15 mmHg. Exceeding 15 mmHg increases the risk of CO2 embolism, decreased venous return due to vena cava compression, and cardiac arrhythmias (bradycardia). NBSTSA Tip: Remember 12-15 mmHg for adults; pediatric settings are significantly lower (8-10 mmHg). High pressure can cause the patient to vagal out during initial insufflation.
During sterile draping of an operating microscope, why is it critical to ensure the drape is pulled taut over the objective lens and that no air is trapped between the lens and the drape's glass cover?
Show answer →Tautness and air removal prevent image distortion and minimize glare. NBSTSA Tip: Always check that the sterile glass/plastic cover of the drape is perpendicular to the optical path. If the drape is loose, the autofocus may fail, or the view may be blurred. Clinical Pearl: Never touch the objective lens with bare hands; use only manufacturer-approved lens paper if cleaning is needed before draping.
During a pediatric inguinal hernia repair, the surgeon requests a synthetic, absorbable, monofilament suture with low tissue reactivity. Which is the best choice?
Show answer →Monocryl (Poliglecaprone 25). It is synthetic, absorbable, and monofilament. Key NBSTSA point: Monocryl has high initial tensile strength but loses it quickly (approx. 50% at 1 week, gone by 3 weeks), making it ideal for subcuticular closure where rapid healing occurs. Unlike multifilament Vicryl, monofilament reduces the risk of "wicking" bacteria. Clinical Pearl: Always handle monofilament carefully to avoid crushing with forceps, which creates weak points.
A surgical technologist is loading a washer-decontaminator. What is the primary mechanical action used by this equipment to remove soil from instruments?
Show answer →The washer-decontaminator uses impingement, which is the physical force of pressurized water spray hitting the instrument surfaces. NBSTSA Tip: Do not confuse this with cavitation (ultrasonic). The cycle typically includes: 1. Pre-rinse (cool water to prevent protein coagulation), 2. Wash (hot water/detergent), 3. Rinse, and 4. Final Rinse/Thermal Disinfection. Note: Items are considered safe to handle with bare hands after this process but are NOT sterile.
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Try 30 free CST cards firstThe full CST deck contains 1040 flashcards, and 150 of them focus on equipment. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CST deck dedicates 150 of 1040 cards (14%) to equipment — 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
Basics
90 cards
Management
60 cards
Pathology
60 cards
Pharmacology
100 cards
Procedures
360 cards
Safety
100 cards
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