AST Practice Test Exam #1 for certification exam

33. Which suffix means surgical puncture to remove fluid? A. -dynia B. -tomy C. -lysis D. -centesis

-centesis

95. What is the required minimum number of individuals to transfer an incapacitated patient from the OR table to the stretcher? A. 3 B. 4 C. 5 D. 6

4

68. Which of the following terms describes a hernia that occurs within Hesselbach's triangle? A. Direct B. Indirect C. Femoral D. Hiatal

A. Direct

90. Which of the following is a type of passive drain? A. Penrose B. Hemovac C. Plear-evac D. Jackson-Pratt

A. Penrose

79. What position is most commonly used for neurosurgical procedures? A. Supine B. Semi-Fowler's C. Trendelenburg D. Lithotomy

A. Supine

82. What type of drape would be used for a flank procedure? A. Transverse B. Extremity C. Aperture D. Perineal

A. Transverse

75. What type of disease is characterized by rapid onset and a rapid recovery? A. Acute B. Chronic C. Primary D. Asymptomatic

Acute

66. Which of the following is a nonadherent dressing? A. Kling B. Adaptic C. Collodion D. Elastoplast

Adaptic

25. What is not a benefit of using surface-mounted sliding doors for access to the operating room? A. Uses less space for opening B. Aid in controlling temperature C. Eliminate air turbulence D. Provides for thorough cleaning

Aid in controlling temperature

3. The enzyme used to soften the zonules of the lens before cataract surgery is: A. Atropine sulfate B. Alpha-chymotrypsin C. Acetylcholine chloride D. Pilocarpine hydrochloride

Alpha-chymotrypsin

20. Through which of the following do the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct empty? A. Ampulla of Vater B. Duct of Santorini C. Wirsung's duct D. Sphincter of Oddi

Ampulla of Vater

43. Which microbes live without oxygen? A. Aerobes B. Anaerobes C. Capnophiles D. Microaerophiles

Anaerobes

32. Which surgical team member determines when the patient can be transported from the OR to the PACU? A. Anesthesia provider B. Circulator C. Surgeon D. Surgical technologist

Anesthesia provider

67. Which of the following is a fenestrated drape? A. Incise B. U-drape C. Aperture D. Half-sheet

Aperture

40. Which laser is best used during a vitrectomy? A. Carbon dioxide B. Nd:YAG C. Supine D. Argon

Argon

9. What laser beam can travel through clear tissues without heating them? A. Argon B. Excimer C. Carbon dioxide D. Neodymium: YAG

Argon

29. How are rickettsiae transmitted? A. Arthropod bites B. Physical contact C. Blood exposure D. Airborne organisms

Arthropod bites

92. What type of acquired immunity is a vaccination? A. Artificial passive B. Artificial active C. Natural passive D. Natural active

Artificial active

69. Which of the following incisions is oblique? A. Epigastric B. Kocher C. Paramedian D. Pfannenstiel

B. Kocher

71. Which of the following is a mechanical method of hemostasis? A. Laser B. Ligature C. Thrombin D. Electrosurgery

B. Ligature

76. Which organelle is responsible for the production of energy? A. Lysosomes B. Mitochondria C. Golgi complex D. Endoplasmic reticulum

B. Mitochondria

14. The surgical pack utilized to create the sterile field should be opened on the: A. Stretcher B. OR table C. Backtable D. Mayo stand

Backtable

77. What type of anesthesia is a combination of inhalation and intravenous drugs? A. Spinal B. Sedation C. Regional D. Balanced

Balanced

47. What organs are excised if an ovarian tumor is malignant? A. Bilateral ovaries only B. Bilateral fallopian tubes and ovaries, uterus C. Unilateral involved ovary and fallopian tube D. Unilateral involved ovary and fallopian tube, uterus

Bilateral fallopian tubes and ovaries, uterus

41. Which of the following monitors provides positive assurance of sterility? A. Clerical B. Mechanical C. Biological D. Chemical

Biological

70. Which of the following dilators are used in the common duct? A. Pratt B. Van Buren C. Bakes D. Hegar

C. Bakes

81. Which of the following solutions should be used to prep the donor site for a split-thickness skin graft? A. Iodophor B. Avagard C. Chloridine D. Merthiolate

C. Chloridine

83. Where should the safety strap be placed on a patient who is in the supine position? A. Below the knees B. Across the waist C. Over the thighs D. Across the abdomen

C. Over the thighs

11. Which portion of the stomach surrounds the lower esophageal sphincter? A. Cardia B. Fundus C. Pylorus D. Antrum

Cardia

34. To which portion of the colon is the appendix attached? A. Ascending B. Descending C. Cecum D. Sigmoid

Cecum

73. A brain tumor causing alteration of muscle tone, voluntary muscle coordination, gait and balance would likely be located in the: A. Diencephalon B. Cerebellum C. Medulla D. Pons

Cerebellum

24. Which of the following is an non-sterile member of the surgical team? A. Surgeon B. Circulator C. Surgical assistant D. Surgical technologist

Circulator

46. Which of the following directional terms describes the type of skin prep of an entire extremity? A. Spiral B. Horizontal C. Longitudinal D. Circumferential

Circumferential

2. What is the wound classification for a bronchoscopy? A. Clean B. Contaminated C. Dirty and infected D. Clean-contaminated

Clean-contaminated

30. What is an examination of the cervix using a binocular microscope? A. Colposcopy B. Laparoscopy C. Urethroscopy D. Hysteroscopy

Colposcopy

52. What is the term for a relationship in which two organisms occupy the same area and one organism benefits while the other is unharmed? A. Commensalism B. Neutralism C. Mutualism D. Parasitism

Commensalism

58. What is the name of the urinary catheter with a small, curved tapered tip used on patients with urethral strictures? A. Iglesias B. Coude C. Pigtail D. Bonanno

Coude

45. What is the action of antagonist drugs? A. Inhibit the clotting process B. Achieve neuroleptanesthesia C. Increase the effects of opiates D. Counteract the action of another drug

Counteract the action of another drug

97. Which of the following is a major source of distress for toddler and preschool age patients being transported to the operating room? A. Room temperature change B. Lack of communication C. Fear of anesthesia D. Separation anxiety

D. Separation anxiety

96. Which of the following regulations states that blood and body fluids should be considered infectious? A. Body Substance Isolation Rules B. Medical Device Safety Act C. Postexposure Prophylaxis D. Standard Precautions

D. Standard Precautions

53. A topical steroid used to reduce inflammation after eye surgery is: A. Depo-Medrol B. Miochol C. Healon D. Wydase

Depo-Medrol

27. Which is the first part of the small intestine? A. Duodenum B. Jejunum C. Ileum D. Cecum

Duodenum

99. Otoplasty is performed to correct a congenital deformity of what structure? A. Mouth B. Nose C. Ear D. Eye

Ear

93. When would the anesthesia provider request cricoid pressure? A. Bier block B. Epidural injection C. Endotracheal intubation D. Endotracheal extubation

Endotracheal intubation

4. How should the stretcher be oriented when necessary to use an elevator to transport a patient to the OR? A. Place stretcher sideways in elevator B. Enter head first, exit feet first C. Position in elevant is irrelevant D. Enter feet first, exit head first

Enter head first, exit feet first

84. What surgical procedure is performed to correct an abnormality in which the urethral meatus is situated on the superior aspect of the penis? A. Hypospadias repair B. Epispadias repair C. Meatotomy D. Ureteroneocystostomy

Epispadias repair

17. Which organism is a normal resident flora of the intestinal tract? A. Escherichia coli B. Stephylococcus aureus C. Pseudomonas aeruginosa D. Clostridium tetani

Escherichia coli

16. What type of procedure would involve the removal of teeth? A. Cleft palate repair B. Arch bar application C. Extractions D. Implants

Extractions

8. Which of the following tissues are cut using curved Mayo scissors? A. Fascia B. Periosteum C. Dura mater D. Arterial wall

Fascia

55. What direction should the stretcher be oriented when transporting a patient to the OR department? A. Feet first, side rails up B. Feet first, side rails down C. Head first, side rails up D. Head first, side rails down

Feet first, side rails up

44. Which of the following is an abnormal tract between two epithelium-lined surfaces that is open at both ends? A. Epitheliazation B. Fistula C. Herniation D. Sinus

Fistula

6. When perforated metal trays are placed on the shelves of the steam sterilizing cart, they should be positioned how? A. Flat B. Upside down C. Vertical D. Angled

Flat

61. What is a commonly used preservative for tissue specimens? A. Saline B. Formalin C. Ethyl alcohol D. Lugol's solution

Formalin

35. Which laboratory test determines bacterial identification? A. Gram stain B. Manual count C. Prothrombin time D. Gel electrophoresis

Gram stain

56. Which of the following routine preoperative laboratory studies would be ordered for premenopausal women with no history of hysterectomy? A. HCG B. HBV C. HIV D. HDL

HCG

49. What is the medical term for a bunion? A. Talipes valgus B. Hallux valgus C. Hallus varus D. Talipes varus

Hallux valgus

86. What is the most common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage? A. Hypotenstion B. Hypertension C. Meningioma D. Meningitis

Hypertension

65. For which procedure would Trendelenburg position provide optimal visualization? A. Cholecystectomy B. Hysterectomy C. Thyroidectomy D. Acromioplasty

Hysterectomy

100. An injury a patient sustains as a result of the care given by a healthcare professional is called: A. Iatrogenic B. Liability C. Battery D. Tort

Iatrogenic

64. What instituional document is completed when an adverse or unusual event takes place in the OR that may have legal consequences for the staff or patient? A. Incident report B. Operative record C. Deposition report D. Advance directive

Incident report

10. Permission for treatment given with full knowledge of the risks is a/an: A. Tort B. Malpractice C. Personal liability D. Informed Consent

Informed Consent

50. What incision is also known as a lower oblique? A. Inguinal B. Paramedian C. Infraumbilical D. Thoracoabdominal

Inguinal

15. The islets of Langerhans secrete: A. Bile B. Insulin C. Intrinsic factor D. Inhibiting hormones

Insulin

48. Which term refers to an abnormal thoracic curve of the spine referred to as "hunchback"? A. Lordosis B. Scoliosis C. Kyphosis D. Alkalosis

Kyphosis

91. The vocal cords are located in the: A. Pharynx B. Larynx C. Trachea D. Bronchus

Larynx

85. Which thermal method of hemostasis utilizes intense, focused light? A. Laser B. Bipolar C. Harmonic D. Monopolar

Laser

28. What is the surgical position frequently used for patients undergoing kidney surgery? A. Prone B. Lateral C. Supine D. Lithotomy

Lateral

51. The small intestine attaches to the posterior abdominal wall by the: A. Mesentery B. Peritoneum C. Falciform ligament D. Lesser omentum

Mesentery

36. Medication used to dilate the pupil is called: A. Miotics B. Myopics C. Mydriatics D. Muscarinics

Mydriatics

21. What identifiers must be verified by the patient on their ID bracelet prior to transporting a patient to the OR?A. Name, social security #, physician B. Name, medical record #, allergies C. Name, date of birth, diagnosis D. Name, date of birth, physician

Name, date of birth, physician

38. Under what circumstances would it be appropriate to remove a patient's identification bracelet? A. During insertion of an IV catheter B. Never until patient is discharged from facility C. Postoperatively when taken to the nursing unit D. When patient is awake and alert and can verbally identify self

Never until patient is discharged from facility

62. What is the first step taken for an incorrect sponge count? A. Notify surgeon B. X-ray patient C. Repeat count D. Complete incident report

Notify surgeon

42. The apron-like structure attached to the greater curvature of the stomach is the: A. Omentum B. Mesentery C. Ligamentum D. Peritoneum

Omentum

72. The organ that is connected by a duct to the duodenum is the: A. Pancreas B. Gallbladder C. Stomach D. Liver

Pancreas

74. What is the term for a relationship that benefits one organism at the expense of another? A. Commensalism B. Neutralism C. Mutualism D. Parasitism

Parasitism

63. The mumps may be diagnosed by finding inflammation in which of the following glands? A. Sublingual B. Thyroid C. Parotid D. Submandibular

Parotid

60. A congenital defect in which the fetal blood vessels between the pulmonary artery and aorta does not close is: A. Coarctation of the aorta B. Patent ductus arteriosus C. Tetralogy of Fallot D. Ventricular septal defect

Patent ductus arteriosus

54. How is the surgical informed consent signed if an adult patient is illiterate? A. Authorized individuals signs patient's name B. Patient marks with an "X" and witness verifies C. RN and surgeon sign that patient gave consent D. Surgeon and RIsk Manager sign consent

Patient marks with an "X" and witness verfies

5. Which of the following is a curved, transverse incision across the lower abdomen frequently used in gynecological surgery? A. Midline B. Paramedian C. McBurney's D. Pfannenstiel

Pfannenstiel

98. What structure has oral, nasal and laryngeal divisions? A. Esophagus B. Trachea C. Pharynx D. Glottis

Pharynx

87. The larynx is located between what? A. Pharynx and trachea B. Nasal cavity and pharynx C. Trachea and bronchi D. Nasal and oral cavities

Pharynx and trachea

7. Hyperkalemia is a high concentration of: A. Calcium B. Nitrogen C. Potassium D. Albumin

Potassium

89. What postoperative complication is associated with total hip arthroplasty? A. Compartment syndrome B. Upper extremity weakness C. Urinary incontinence D. Pulmonary embolism

Pulmonary embolism

59. What is the surgical position commonly used for thyroid and gallbladder surgery? A. Supine B. Fowler's C. Reverse Trendelenburg D. Lateral Kidney

Reverse Trendelenburg

18. Where should the first scrub surgical technologist stand when handing towels to the surgeon to square off an incision site? A. Opposite side from surgeon B. Same side as surgeon C. Foot of OR table D. Head of OR table

Same side as surgeon

80. The outer layer of the intestine is the what? A. Mucosa B. Serosa C. Muscularis D. Submucosa

Serosa

22. What are spiral-shaped bacteria called? A. Cocci B. Bacilli C. Spirilli D. Diplococci

Spirilli

12. Low level disinfectants kill most microbes, but do not destroy: A. Viruses B. Bacteria C. Fungi D. Spores

Spores

23. The primary function of the gallbladder is to: A. Store bile B. Produce bile C. Emulsify fats D. Metabolize fats

Store bile

39. What is the position most commonly used for mitral valve replacement? A. Prone B. Sims C. Supine D. Kraske

Supine

78. Who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the surgical informed consent? A. Guardian B. Patient C. Surgeon D. Nurse

Surgeon

19. A properly performed surgical scrub renders the skin: A. Sterile B. Disinfected C. Surgically clean D. Moistened and dehydrated

Surgically clean

31. Compression of the heart from excessive fluid or blood buildup is called: A. Tamponade B. Pericarditis C. Infarction D. Cardiomyopathy

Tamponade

1. Which of the following structures is located in the alveolar processes? A. Teeth B. Villi C. Sinuses D. Tonsils

Teeth The teeth are located in the sockets of the alveolar processes of the mandible and maxillae.

26. What are the three factors for reducing ionizing radiation exposure? A. Type of procedure, equipment, radiation dose B. Exposure, frequency, concentration C. Time, shielding, distance D. Site, age, gender

Time, shielding, distance

88. The most common cause of retinal detachment is what? A. Aging B. Trauma C. Glaucoma D. Inflammation

Trauma

94. Which instrument would be used during a keratoplasty to remove the cornea? A. Trephine B. Westcott C. Oculotome D. Phacoemulsifier

Trephine

37. Which of the following drapes is non-fenestrated? A. Laparotomy B. U-drape C. Transverse D. Craniotomy

U-drape

57. Which portion of the surgical gown is considered non-sterile? A. Outside closure ties B. Two inches below neckline to table level C. Upper arms, neckline and axillary region D. Sleeves; two inches above the elbows to the cuffs

Upper arms, neckline and axillary region

13. Syndactyly refers to: A. Cleft palate B. Webbed finger C. Fused tarsale D. Torn ligaments

Webbed fingers