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NBSTSA CST Practice Tests & Test Prep by Exam Edge - Topics


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Understanding what is on the NBSTSA CST exam is crucial step in preparing for the exam. You will need to have an understanding of the testing domain (topics covered) to be sure you are studing the correct information.

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There is no doubt that this is a strategic step in achieving certification and advancing your career.

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NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist Exam Blueprint

Understanding the exact breakdown of the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist test will help you know what to expect and how to most effectively prepare. The NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist has 150 multiple-choice questions The exam will be broken down into the sections below:

NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist Exam Blueprint
Domain Name
Perioperative Care:
     Preoperative Preparation
     Intraoperative Procedures
     Postoperative Procedures
Additional Duties
     Administrative and Personnel
     Equipment Sterilization and Maintenance
Basic Science
     Anatomy and Physiology
     Microbiology
     Surgical Pharmacology

NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist - Exam Topics Sample Questions

A common pre-existing condition that must be considered for drug administration through all stages of operative or invasive procedures includes what?



Correct Answer:
rheumatoid arthritis.
a common pre-existing condition that must be considered for drug administration through all stages of operative or invasive procedures is rheumatoid arthritis.

rheumatoid arthritis (ra) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints, which can lead to joint damage and other systemic effects. the importance of considering ra as a pre-existing condition during medical procedures lies in its potential to significantly influence both the choice and the effectiveness of drugs used during such procedures.

before any surgical or invasive procedure, a comprehensive medical assessment is carried out by healthcare professionals to identify any pre-existing conditions that might complicate the process or affect the choice of anesthesia and medications. in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, several factors need to be considered: 1. **medication interactions**: patients with ra often take medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (dmards), and biologics. these medications can interact with drugs used during surgical procedures, affecting their efficacy or causing adverse effects. 2. **increased infection risk**: ra and some of its treatments can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. this is a crucial consideration during surgery, as it necessitates stringent aseptic techniques and possibly prophylactic antibiotics. 3. **anesthetic considerations**: ra can affect multiple joints, including those in the spine and neck, which can complicate the administration of spinal or epidural anesthesia. additionally, lung involvement in ra patients may influence the choice and management of general anesthesia. 4. **wound healing**: immunosuppressive therapy and the inflammatory nature of ra can impair wound healing, necessitating close postoperative monitoring and care to mitigate complications such as infection or poor wound healing.

unlike conditions such as mild sinusitis, food poisoning, or a sprained ankle, which generally do not significantly impact the body's ability to metabolize or excrete drugs or cause unexpected drug responses, rheumatoid arthritis presents a complex challenge that can influence multiple aspects of perioperative care. this makes it essential for healthcare providers to carefully evaluate the impact of ra on each patient's treatment plan before, during, and after surgical or invasive procedures to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize risks.

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), a wound with an infection rate of 15%-20% would be classified as which of the following?
 



Correct Answer:
contaminated wound


the cdc (centers for disease control and prevention) classifies surgical wounds into several categories based on the level of contamination. these classifications help determine the risk of infection and guide the management and treatment strategies for each type of wound. the classifications include clean wounds, clean-contaminated wounds, contaminated wounds, and dirty or infected wounds.

a **clean wound** is one that does not involve operating on an organ or system that is known to harbor microbes. there is no inflammation encountered, and the respiratory, alimentary, genital, or uninfected urinary tract is not entered. clean wounds are primarily closed wounds and have the lowest risk of infection, generally less than 2%.

a **clean-contaminated wound** is similar to a clean wound but involves the operation on the aforementioned tracts under controlled conditions without significant spillage or contamination. for instance, operations involving the appendix where no spill occurs can be considered clean-contaminated. these wounds have a slightly higher infection risk than clean wounds, typically between 3% to 5%.

a **contaminated wound** includes open, fresh accidental wounds, operations with major breaks in sterile technique or gross spillage from the gastrointestinal tract, and incisions in which acute, non-purulent inflammation is encountered. typically, these wounds show evidence of organisms present at the time of surgery or gross contamination from outside sources. the infection rate for contaminated wounds is higher, usually between 15% to 20%, which corresponds to the case mentioned in the question.

lastly, **dirty or infected wounds** are those containing dead tissue and wounds with existing clinical infection or perforated viscera. this is the most dangerous class of wounds as far as infection potential is concerned, with the risk of infection exceeding 30%. these are often associated with organisms present in the operative field before the surgery begins.

therefore, according to the cdc's classifications, a wound with an infection rate of 15%-20% falls into the category of a contaminated wound. these wounds require more aggressive management, including possibly broader-spectrum antibiotic coverage and more intensive postoperative care to manage and minimize infection risks effectively. understanding these classifications is crucial for surgical teams to prepare adequately and prevent postoperative complications.