Preparing for the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) exam? Safety is one of the areas our deck drills hardest: 100 of its 1040 flashcards focus on safety, covering topics like Joint Commission Universal Protocol. Try the sample questions below — every card is a real question-and-answer pair from the full deck.
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During a total mastectomy, the CST notes the patient's arm is abducted on an armboard at a 110-degree angle. Which nerve structure is at highest risk for stretch injury?
Show answer →The Brachial Plexus. NBSTSA standards and AORN guidelines dictate that arms must never be abducted more than 90 degrees. Abduction beyond this point causes the plexus to stretch over the humeral head, leading to potential permanent motor and sensory deficits. Exam Strategy: Differentiate between compression (e.g., ulnar) and stretch (e.g., brachial plexus) injuries; 90 degrees is the absolute limit for the CST exam.
When does the pre-procedure verification process officially begin according to the Joint Commission Universal Protocol?
Show answer →Pre-procedure verification is an ongoing process that starts with the decision to perform surgery. It continues through the scheduling process, pre-admission testing, and the patient's arrival in the holding area, ending immediately before the incision. The goal is to ensure all relevant documents (consent, H&P), diagnostic studies, and required blood products or implants are available and consistent. NBSTSA Exam Tip: Distinguish between the verification process (continuous) and the Time Out (final step before incision).
During a total hip arthroplasty, the surgeon requests a hands-free passing technique. Which practice best aligns with AST and AORN standards for reducing percutaneous injuries in the OR?
Show answer →The Neutral Zone (NZ) technique involves placing sharps in a designated area (e.g., magnetic mat, basin, or specific area on the Mayo stand) where only one person touches the item at a time. This eliminates hand-to-hand contact with sharps. NBSTSA Focus: The NZ is the preferred method for passing all sharps. Exam Strategy: Look for one person at a time or designated placement in answer choices. Hand-to-hand passing is a major risk factor for sharps injuries.
Most surgical lasers (CO2, Nd:YAG, Ho:YAG) belong to which ANSI classification, and what are the primary hazards associated with this class?
Show answer →Class 4. These are high-power lasers (over 500 mW) that pose a significant risk of eye and skin injury from direct, specular, or diffuse reflections. They are also significant fire hazards and can ignite surgical drapes or produce toxic plume. NBSTSA Tip: Class 4 is the most common surgical class and requires a designated Laser Safety Officer (LSO) and strict controlled access.
After a total hip arthroplasty, the ST begins the de-gowning process. According to AST and OSHA standards, what is the correct sequence for removing PPE to minimize self-contamination?
Show answer →1. Gloves (most contaminated), 2. Goggles/Face Shield, 3. Gown, 4. Mask/Respirator. Rationales: Gloves are removed first as they have the highest microbial load. The gown is removed by rolling it inside out to contain contaminants. The mask is removed last to protect the respiratory tract from aerosolized particles during gown removal. Perform hand hygiene immediately after removal. Clinical Pearl: NBSTSA often tests the sequence of donning and doffing; remember masks and eyewear are always the first items on (before the scrub) and the last items off (after leaving the sterile field).
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Try 30 free CST cards firstThe full CST deck contains 1040 flashcards, and 100 of them focus on safety. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CST deck dedicates 100 of 1040 cards (10%) to safety — 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
Equipment
150 cards
Management
60 cards
Pathology
60 cards
Pharmacology
100 cards
Procedures
360 cards
CST practice test
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Eligibility rules, fees, question counts and passing standards are set by the certifying body and change over time. Always confirm them at the source before you apply or schedule your exam — our flashcards are practice material, not the official handbook.