These CST practice questions target management. The complete CST deck holds 1040 flashcards, 60 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 a colectomy, the surgeon complains the monopolar ESU is not cutting effectively despite increasing power. The CST notes the return electrode is secure. What is the next immediate troubleshooting step?
Show answer →Check the connection between the active electrode (handpiece) and the generator, then inspect the tip for eschar (charring). Eschar increases resistance and impedes current flow. NBSTSA Tip: Never simply increase power at the surgeon's request without checking the circuit. High power settings in the presence of a malfunction increase the risk of alternate site burns or insulation failure. Key Exam Point: If the ESU alarm sounds, the circuit is broken; if it works poorly without an alarm, the issue is usually resistance (eschar) or a faulty handpiece.
In an extreme emergency (e.g., ruptured AAA), the initial count is waived to save the patient's life. What is the mandatory requirement for the surgical technologist and circulator regarding this omission?
Show answer →While the initial count may be waived, the circulator must document the reason in the patient's record. A count should be performed as soon as the patient's condition stabilizes, and a mandatory intraoperative X-ray must be taken before the patient leaves the OR to ensure no RSI. NBSTSA Tip: Waived does not mean ignored; documentation and post-procedure imaging are the safety nets. The ST is responsible for keeping as accurate a count as possible of items added during the waived period.
During the cooling phase of MH treatment, at what core body temperature should the surgical team cease active cooling measures to prevent overshoot hypothermia?
Show answer →Active cooling (e.g., chilled saline irrigation, ice packs to groin/axilla, cold IV fluids) should be discontinued when the patient's core temperature reaches 38°C (100.4°F). This prevents the patient from drifting into unintended hypothermia and subsequent shivering, which would increase oxygen consumption and metabolic demand. CST Tip: Monitoring the temperature via a rectal, esophageal, or tympanic probe is critical during this phase.
A 20kg pediatric patient arrests in the OR. What is the recommended initial energy level for external defibrillation according to PALS guidelines?
Show answer →2 Joules per kilogram (2 J/kg). For a 20kg child, the initial shock would be 40 Joules. Subsequent shocks are typically increased to 4 J/kg. The CST should ensure pediatric-sized paddles or pads are available if the facility treats pediatric patients. NBSTSA Tip: Pediatric dosing (2J/kg initial) is a common hard math/protocol question on the CST exam.
During a procedure involving a patient with an implanted cardiac pacemaker, the surgeon prefers bipolar electrosurgery for hemostasis. Why is bipolar safer than monopolar in this scenario?
Show answer →Bipolar electrosurgery is safer because the electrical current travels only between the two tips of the forceps (the active and return electrodes). This localized circuit prevents the current from traveling through the patient's body and potentially interfering with the pacemaker's circuitry or causing an unintended discharge. NBSTSA Exam Tip: Monopolar requires a dispersive electrode (grounding pad); Bipolar does NOT require a grounding pad.
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Try 30 free CST cards firstThe full CST deck contains 1040 flashcards, and 60 of them focus on management. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CST deck dedicates 60 of 1040 cards (6%) to management — 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
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Basics
90 cards
Equipment
150 cards
Pathology
60 cards
Pharmacology
100 cards
Procedures
360 cards
Safety
100 cards
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